Modern warfare and civilians

• What does total war mean for civilians?

  Civilians must contribute to the war effort
• How did total war affect government involvement?

  It led to wide-scale government involvement
• What was the impact of active fighting on recruitment during the World Wars?

  • Civilians took up arms for the first time
  • Six million Britons fought in WWI
  • 700,000 died in WWI
  • About 450,000 died in WWII
• What was the role of the Home Guard during WWII?

  • Part-time, volunteer force
  • Formed in 1940 to defend against invasion
  • 1.6 million civilians joined by 1941
• What was the purpose of Civil Defence volunteers?

  • Defended against air raids
  • 1.4 million wardens served by 1945
  • 7000 staff killed in duty
• What did the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) do during WWII?

  • Supported Civil Defence
  • Had a million volunteers from 1941
• What does the term "Home Front" refer to?

  Civilian population and preparations at home
• What were 'Bevin Boys' during WWII?

  Men who worked in mining instead of military
• What measures were taken for nuclear attack preparedness post-1945?

  • Nuclear defence booklets issued
  • Air-raid sirens regularly tested
  • Civil defence films shown in schools
• What was the significance of rationing during the World Wars?

  • Introduced due to food supply shortages
  • Began in 1918 and again in January 1940
• How did government powers change during the World Wars?

  • Expanded powers for war efforts
  • Defence of the Realm Act of 1914
  • Emergency Powers Act of 1940
• What precautions were taken against air raids during WWII?

  • Gas masks issued to civilians
  • Air raid shelters set up
  • Blackouts and curfews enforced
• What unexpected benefits arose from modern warfare?

  • Major medical advances
  • Advancements in women's equality
• By 1949, which two countries had nuclear weapons?

  The USA and the USSR
• What characterized the relationship between the USA and USSR until the 1970s?

  • Constant tension and rivalry
  • Years of nuclear war threats
• What event took place in Trafalgar Square in 1964?

  • Thousands protested against nuclear war