The Era of the Great War

National 5

Revision Booklet

Why is this booklet useful?

This booklet provides a quick summary of the key information you need to be aware of in the Era of the Great War topic.

At the end of key area there are a set of summary questions to consider that will help you create an exam-geared approach to revision. Also, at the end of each key area there is a set of flash card templates for you to create key questions from the information in this booklet. Flash cards are a great way to get active in your revision, and the more you use them the more you’ll start to remember!

There are four key sections in this unit, each with their own sub-sections.

Section One- Scots on the Western Front

1. Why did war break out in 1914?2. What happened in Europe by the end of 1914?

3. What was it like for Scots fighting on the Western Front?

Section Two- Impact of the War on Society and Culture

1. How impact did the war have on people back home?

Section Three- Impact of the War on Industry and Economy

1. What impact did the war have on Scotland’s industry and economy?

Section Four- Impact of the War on Politics

1. What effects did the war have on the role of women?2. What impact did the war have on politics in Scotland?

3. To what extent had Scotland changed by 1928?

Section One- Scots on the Western Front

Why Did War Break Out in 1914?

Pre-1914 Europe

By 1914, many European nations had large empires.

Germany was jealous of Britain and France’s Empires. They very far-reaching and powerful.

By contrast, the German Empire was far smaller. Kaiser Wilhelm II was determined to bring Germany up to speed with the British and French.

Trade- Rivalry over trade created tension in Europe. No Empire was willing to let another gain influence.

Slovakia- Minority ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire turned to Russia to help win them their independence from the Empire. This movement was known as Pan-Slavism.

France

France and Germany did not get along. In 1871, Germany defeated France in a war. Germany had seized French land in the East for its own.

The two regions, Alsace and Lorraine, were rich in natural resources and the loss was a great blow to the economy.

France was determined to reclaim this land, even if it meant war.

Britain

Germany desperately wanted to be Britain. It had both the largest empire and the largest navy. On the other hand, Britain was determined not to allow Germany to gain power.

Very quickly, both Germany and Britain found themselves in a naval arms race.

What Happened in Europe by 1914?

The Assassination

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, is assassinated in Sarajevo. Historians believe that the Austrian politicians knew of the

assassination plot, and allowed it to take place to put pressure on Serbia.

This event set into motion an event that would to the death of 10 million people.

This rapidly increased tension in Europe as countries started to look for allies in the event of War. Europe divided into in two- the Triple Entente and the Central powers.

Why Did the Scots Join Up?

The Scots had a reputation as a warrior race. For many young Scots, this was part of their national pride and personal identity.

The Government looked to exploit this nature by creating propaganda posters displaying young Scots at war in a kilt uniform and using colloquial language in their

messages to attract the attention of young Scots.

Public opinion at the time had it that the war would be ‘over by Christmas’. This appealed to many Scots as a quick and easy route to adventure and glory.

Most young Scots worked in unskilled, low paid and mundane jobs before the war. The war was an opportunity to escape the daily grind and explore the world. It was

also a chance to gain regular work with a good pay.

Many young Scots joined up in defence of their “King and Country”. Many were of the opinion that fighting the enemy abroad out of reach of their families was much

better than fighting the enemy in your home.

Many young Scots were encouraged to join up by the ‘pals battalions’ initiative. This was a Government initiative that aimed to recruit whole villages and workplaces in

order to pressure young Scots into joining with their friends and family.

Local sports teams also encouraged young Scots to sign up. At the start of the war, 13 players of Hearts Football Club signed up for war. This encouraged many young

Scots to follow the path of their local heroes to war.

What was it Like for Scots on the Western Front?

Life in the Trenches

Trenches were dug stretching four hundred miles from the English Channel to the Swiss frontier. Soldiers knew they were at risk every moment from a mortar shell or

sniper fire.

Apart from the fear and danger of attacks, soldiers had to cope with constant noise, itching, boredom and mud.

Scottish troops gained a reputation as hard fighters and were often used as ‘shock troops’

This would be the first line of attack, to hit the enemy hard in the opening moments of a battle.

Bagpipe music was often used to inspire troops at the start of an attack. Piper Laidlaw is a famous piper who provided music at the Battle of Loos. He famously was

shot in both legs, but despite being thrown to the ground, continued to play the bagpipes as he made his way back to the trenches.

The kilted regiments suffered a great deal from lice in the pleats of their kilts and many hours were spent trying to pop the eggs of lice by candlelight.

As the war wet on Scottish kilt regiments were given khaki aprons to wrap around their kilts for camouflage.

They were known by the Germans as ‘The ladies from hell’.

However, soldiers did not live in the trenches all the time. A soldier in a front line trench on a Monday would usually be rotated back to a rest and recovery position by

the following weekend.

Military Tactics

Both sides created trench networks defended by machine guns and barbed wire. The result was that neither side could break through, leading to a stalemate.

The battles on the Western Front, such as the Somme and Verdun, were battles of attrition. The attacking side knew that they would suffer huge casualties but the hope was that the opposition would be worn down and, eventually, that is what

happened to Germany. By November 1918, Germany did not have the food, resources or men to continue with the war.

The Technology of War

Machine guns were not new weapons but they became more deadly as the war went on. Artillery also destroyed soldiers. It is thought that up to 75 percent of all deaths

and casualties in the war were cause by artillery. The first example of a new technology that was used to try and break the deadlock

was gas. At first poison gas panicked defenceless soldiers but was not a ‘breakthrough’ weapon. Early gas attacks relied heavily on the wind to blow the gas

into the enemy positions.

Eventually gas shells were fired by artillery. The main reason gas ceased to be effective was that gas masks developed quickly.

Tanks were developed in Britain and the idea was good- a strong metal vehicle that could cross no-man’s land, burst through barbed wire and was immune to machine

gun fire.

Tanks could also provide cover for advancing troops. In reality the tanks were slow, they often broke down and conditions inside the tanks were horrible.

By 1918, however, tanks had greatly improved. At Amiens and Cambrai in 1918 tanks were used in a co-ordinated way on firm ground and were a huge advantage.

Radio communications had improved, it was no longer vital to have trench runners for communication. This made it easier to organise attacks.

Aircraft were used to support attacking troops. Early in the war, planes were used to scout enemy positions and relay their information to the trenches below.

By later in the war, ‘dog fights’ with enemy aircraft were taking place with mounted machine guns.

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Things You Should Know

To be successful in this section you must be able to:

Explain why so many young Scots joined the Army in 1914.

Describe life in the trenches of the Western Front.

Describe the effect of technology and tactics on soldiers on the Western Front.

Key Words

Artillery- Very large guns that could fire explosives long distances.

Attrition- Wearing down the enemy so that they cannot stay in the war any longer.

Western Front- The area of fighting through Belgium and Northern France.

Key Question to Consider

Was victory in the war the result of developing technology and changing tactics, or was it the long battles of attrition?

The Impact of the War on Society and Culture

Propaganda

During the war the government tried to control how people felt about the war. They used propaganda to involve people in the war, either to support their own side or to

encourage hatred from the other.

By repeating certain messages such as ‘don’t waste food’ and ‘lend the government your savings’ the government tried to persuade the people to do what they wanted.

Rationing

Rationing was started so that everyone could be sire of a regular and sufficient food supply. An organised system of rationing could also control the price of basic foods.

By the end of 1917, it was clear that Britain was facing serious food shortages due to German submarines targeting merchant ships carrying food to Britain.

In January 1918, the government began a system of rationing and by April 1918, full scale rationing was in force in Scotland. By the end of the war almost all food prices

were controlled by the government.

Conscription

The government passed the Military Service Act in January 1916. The new law enforced conscription for single men between the ages of nineteen and forty.

In May 1916 conscription was extended to married men and by 1918 up to the age of fifty was being conscripted.

In Britain, supporters of conscription argued that young men had a duty, above all else, to protect their country.

On the other hand, it was argued that it had not been used in Britain before and that its introduction meant another increase in the power of the government at the cost

of individual freedom.

Some men refused to accept conscription. They were called conscientious objectors and claimed exemption on grounds of their political or religious beliefs.

They were usually sent t military units and if they refused to obey the order of an officer, they were court-martialled, where the risked being sentenced to death.

However, that did not happen, around 7000 conscientious objectors agreed to perform non-combatant duties, often as stretcher bearers on the front line.

However, more than 2500 pacifists were ‘absolutists’ who opposed doing any work that helped Britain’s war effort.

These were sent prison in the UK where they were kept in very harsh conditions. During the war, 69 of them died in prison.

Women’s War Work

With so many men away fighting, women were encouraged to replace the missing men in the economy.

Industries that had previously excluded women now welcomed them. Women worked as conductors on trams and buses, as typists and secretaries in offices and in

factories. Furthermore, nearly 200,000 women found work in government departments.

The biggest increase in female employment was in the previously male dominates engineering industry, especially the part that made munitions.

Before the war, fewer than 4000 women worked in heavy industry in Scotland. By 1917, over 30,000 women were employed making munitions in Scotland.

When the war ended the majority of women did not keep their wartime jobs. A new law called the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act meant ensured men who fought

in the war were given their original jobs back. Women were therefore forced to leave the ‘male only’ jobs that they had done

during the war, the idea that a women’s place was in the home was still a strong government ideal.

Casualties and Memorials

After four years of war, the Scottish population wanted some way to commemorate their dead, many bodies had never found their way home.

In the years that followed the Great War, towns and villages across Scotland built their own memorials to remember the dead.

There was also a demand for a national memorial. Scotland’s National Ware Memorial stands in Crown Square within Edinburgh Castle. Opened July 1927.

Things You Should Know

To be successful in this section you must be able to:

Describe the changing role of women during the war. Explain why conscription was introduced and conscientious objectors

were. Describe the effect of high casualties and death on Scottish society.

Explain why propaganda and rationing were necessary during wartime.

Key WordsAbsolutists- conscientious objectors who refused to do

anything to help the war effort.

Conscription- making young men go to war.

Propaganda- Exaggerated storied meant to make people support or ate a side of a war.

Key Question to Consider

In what ways did the war cause people to think about their duties to their country and their rights and freedoms as a

citizen?

The Impact of the War on Scotland’s Industry and Economy.

Industry

In 1914, Scotland led the world in shipbuilding and engineering. It was also leading in coal, iron and steel production.

However, Scotland relied to heavily on these industries.

At first the war provided a boost for Scottish industry. Heavy industry was vital to make weapons for war. However, demand for production during the war years made

the fall in demand much worse when it came to the post-war years.

By the end of the First World War, it was clear that new industries were becoming very important, especially in electronics, radio, car and aircraft production.

However, these did not develop in Scotland and so did little to help employment.

War Work and Reserved Occupations

The Government was worried that because so many men had rushed to join the army many important jobs that were needed for the war effort, such as coalmining,

might not have enough workers.

When conscription was introduced the government was keen to ensure that ‘essential workers’ remained at work. The answer was ‘reserved occupations’.

A reserved occupation meant people doing certain jobs could not be called up for the army.

The Government was deliberately vague about what jobs would be classed as reserved. They feared that many men would rush to these jobs to avoid being called

up.

Things You Should Know

To be successful in this section you must be able to:

Describe the main features of Scotland’s industry and economy before the First World War.

Explain how the war gave a wartime boost to Scottish industry and the economy.

Describe the post-war decline of heavy industry.

Key Words

New Industries- industries that started just before or after the war. They included car-making, electronics, chemicals and making radios.

Post-war- The years right after the end of the war.

Key Question to Consider

Do you think the war helped the Scottish economy, made it worse, or just postponed the inevitable? Why?

The Impact of the War on Politics in Scotland

Women’s’ Suffrage

Before 1918, women had no national political voice. They had no vote. They were thought of as irrational, emotional and uneducated.

By 1900, middle class women were well educated and were allowed to vote in countries like New Zealand. So why not Britain?

In 1897, the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies was set up to win the right to vote through peaceful demonstration. They were known as the Suffragists.

In 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Union was formed by Emmeline Pankhurst. They were known as the Suffragettes, and gained a reputation for militant forms of protest like setting fire to MP’s houses.

When war broke out in 1914, the Suffrage campaign was suspended in order to help the war effort.

This had a positive effect on the campaign for suffrage as women over the age of 30 were granted the vote in the 1918 Representation of the People Act.

This was extended further in 1928 to include all women over the age of 21.

Red Clydeside

This refers to the ears between 1915 and 1919 when protests and demonstrations ny workers in Glasgow made it look like a communist revolution would break out.

The workers were tired of cut wages and long working hours during the years of the war.

In 1919 there was a large demonstration of around 100,000 workers in George Square in Glasgow. 10,000 English troops were brought in to calm the situation.

The demonstrations put a real pressure on the Government to change the working hour and pay rates of workers in Scotland.

DORA

DORA was the Defence of the Realm Act.

At first the public accepted the need for increased security and control over things that were seen to be vital for the war effort.

However, as the war went on the public became tired of the restrictions that seemed only to have a slight connection with the war effort.

For example, DORA limited the opening times of pubs and reduced the alcoholic strength of beer.

More Seriously, people objected to the way that DORA game the government the right to imprison people without trial and stopped workers striking about working

conditions.

Women and the Rent Strikes

The First World War was a turning point for Women’s role in society and their determination to gain rights.

The rent strikes of 1915 became an example of how people could take action to fight against unfairness. More importantly, the rent strikes became an example of how

women could campaign for change and succeed!

Demand for housing in and around Glasgow rocketed because of incoming war workers.

The landlords hope that with most men away, the women would simply give in and accept the prices.

In May 1915, the first rent strike took place. Soon the government was under pressure to act. their response was the Rent Restriction Act. Rents were frozen at

1914 levels unless improvements had been made to the property.

The demands of women had been met- direct action had led to positive results.

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Things You Should Know

To be successful in this section you must be able to:

Explain how the War led to more people gaining the right to vote.

Explain the impact of Red Clydeside and the Rent Strikes.

Explain what DORA and the Rent Restriction Act are.

Key Words

Suffrage- The right to vote in elections.

Subsidy- money paid by the government towards something.

Rent- money paid by those that live in a property to those that own the property.

Key Question to Consider

To what extent do you feel Britain had become fully democratic by 1928?