Essay | The Impact of the Great War on the British Homefront

The Great War (1914-1918) had an enormous impact on the preponderate aspects of the British Homefront. Many changes took place in areas that include politics, trade and industry, the role of the government, social elements and also the role of women. Propaganda had become a regular part of British life, promoting issues such as recruitment and conscription. A changing attitude to war led to some splits in society and the government had to respond accordingly.

Total war is the complete dedication of a nation's resources and people to the war effort. Total war involved a great increase in power for the government, restrictions on the civilian population, employment of women in traditionally male-dominated jobs, and a variety of hardships (such as food shortages) were also present because all possible resources were channelled into the war effort.

Britain did not organise for total war until mid-1915. The effects of...
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