Great War

• What was one of the popular sayings about World War I in 1914?

  The war would be ‘over by Christmas’
• What contributed to the emergence of the short war theory?

  Public confidence in the British army and predictions of a quick peace
• How was military recruitment portrayed during the short war theory?

  As an opportunity for adventure that men would miss out on
• How did the short war illusion influence men’s decisions to enlist?

  It romanticized war and made men feel they would miss out on fun
• What were Pals Battalions in the British Army?

  Specially constituted battalions of men who enlisted together
• What was the purpose of Lord Kitchener's recruitment campaign in August 1914?

  To call for men aged between 19 and 30 to join the British Army
• How many men were joining the British Army daily at the start of Kitchener's campaign?

  An average of 33,000 men
• What happened three weeks after the start of Kitchener's campaign?

  Kitchener raised the recruiting age to 35
• How many men had volunteered by the middle of September 1914?

  Over 500,000 men
• What is considered one of the most iconic images of World War I recruitment?

  A recruitment poster of Lord Kitchener pointing at the viewer
• What event in August 1916 inspired others to enlist in World War I?

  Sixteen Heart of Midlothian Football Club players enlisted
• How did patriotic displays influence recruitment during the war?

  They inspired others to enlist, especially when recruitment was problematic
• What role did peer group pressure play in military recruitment?

  Many men joined up after seeing friends and colleagues enlist
• How did the British government portray enlisting in the armed forces?

  As an act of patriotism and a young man’s duty
• What was the impact of national pride on military recruitment?

  It became a significant factor in the Government’s recruitment strategy
• How did government propaganda portray the German people during WW1?

  As evil, exaggerating their treatment of women and children
• What was one claim made by propaganda about German soldiers?

  That they attacked nuns
• How did politicians and the media influence men to join the war?

  By promoting it as a righteous fight against evil
• What was the purpose of the White Feather Movement?

  To signify cowardice for men who did not volunteer
• How did the White Feather Movement affect enlistment?

  Many men joined up to avoid guilt and shame