What did people think the war was going to be like?
They had a romantic idea, they thought it would be an exciting adventure and would be over by Christmas
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How many people joined up in the first 6 weeks?
Half a million
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How many had by November 1914?
2 million
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How old did you need to be to enlist?
19 - 40
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Tell me some extra facts...
1. Many people were worried that if they waited, they'd miss out on all the fun! 2. Massive propaganda was used to maintain the number of men prepared to enlist!
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Sometimes, whole groups of friends from one area joined up... What were they called?
'Pals' battalions
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By late 1915, the government began to consider conscription. It was highly controversial and a debate raged through the winter of 1915-1916. When was it introduced and for what age?
May 1916 and 18-41 married/un married
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What 3 reasons did the government give for introducing conscription?
1. The number of volunteers was falling. 2. Demand for troops was increasing - dead and wounded needed replacing. 3. The volunteer system was damaging GB industry and agriculture - most people from one occupation/field would sign up
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Who did not welcome conscription?
50 mp's (including Liberal leaders) voted against. Also those with religious or political reasons.
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What does conscription mean?
Compulsory military service
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What is a conscientious objector (conchie)
Someone who refuses to join the army to fight for their country
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What gave the government power to conscript all men 18-41, and according to the act, meant only men involved in 'Reserved occupations' such as munition work or mining were exempt from military service?
The Military Services Act
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Who did conchies have to appear before?
Local tribunals, to explain why they refused to fight
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What did most conchies do?
Joined up to do war work in the medical or support services. However, 1,500 conchies were imprisoned
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What did people think the war was going to be like?
Back
They had a romantic idea, they thought it would be an exciting adventure and would be over by Christmas
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