Impact of the war on the civilians

Why is WWI described as a total war?

Because all aspects of society were involved in the war effort, with nations dedicating their resources to the war.

What did “total war” mean for civilians?

Civilians were expected to contribute to the war effort and their everyday lives were increasingly controlled by governments

What happened to civilians when Germany invaded Belgium and France?

Many civilians were forced to flee their homes and became refugees.

Where did many Belgian and French refugees flee to?

Britain

Why did Germany experience serious food shortages during WWI?

Germany relied heavily on imported food, and the British naval blockade restricted its trade.

How effective was the British naval blockade against Germany?

It was an effective weapon because it severely reduced Germany's access to food and other basic supplies.

What did Germany use when normal food products became difficult to obtain?

Substitute products.

What was German coffee sometimes made from during WWI?

Roasted barley, rye, chicory and figs.

What was German “K Bread”?

A substitute bread made using ingredients such as potatoes, turnips or rye.

What was added to K Bread by 1918?

Large amounts of sawdust and chalk.

What were two major priorities on the British home front?

Getting civilians involved in the war effort and ensuring there was enough food.

What was DORA?

The Defence of the Realm Act, introduced in Britain in 1914.

What did DORA allow the British government to do?

Restrict many aspects of people's everyday lives in order to support the war effort.

Give an example of an unusual activity restricted under DORA.

Flying kites was prohibited.

What happened to fireworks under DORA?

Their use was restricted/banned.

What unusual form of communication was restricted in London under DORA?

Whistling to attract a London taxi was banned.

Why was daylight saving introduced in Britain during WWI?

To maximise the use of daylight and increase working hours during the day.

Why were blackouts introduced?

To reduce visibility from the air and make it harder for enemy aircraft to identify targets.

What was press censorship?

The government restricted what newspapers and other media could publish about the war.

Why was press censorship introduced?

To control information and prevent sensitive military information from reaching the enemy.

What was postal censorship?

The government monitored and restricted letters and other postal communications.

Why was postal censorship used?

To prevent sensitive information from being passed to the enemy.

When was food rationing introduced in Britain?

1918

Why was food rationing introduced in Britain?

To manage limited food supplies and ensure civilians had access to essential food.

How did DORA affect foreign nationals in Britain?

It placed restrictions on their movement.