Why Men Enlisted

• A short war was one reason why men enlisted, because, many thought it would end by Christmas
• The King's Shilling was one reason why men enlisted, because, it was extra money to those who were in low-paying jobs
• Escaping poverty was one reason why men enlisted, because, they would be given a salary and a uniform
• Adventure was one reason why men enlisted, because, for some, it would be a chance to go abroad; others, it was about using weapons and being brave; and many propaganda posters made it look like fun
• Pressure from employers was one reason why men enlisted, because, if workers did not enlist, they would be fired
• Propaganda was one reason why men enlisted, because, many posters were put up in towns to encourage men to enlist
• The Treaty of London was one reason why men enlisted, because, this treaty stated if Belgium was ever invaded, Britain had to help them, when Germany invaded Belgium, Britain had to honour the treaty
• The Scottish Martial Tradition was one reason why men enlisted, because, throughout history, Scots have been fierce and loyal warriors, Scots took pride in this martial tradition
• The Pals Battalion was one reason why men enlisted, because, if men enlisted together, they would fight together - one famous example of this is the MacRae's Battalion, made up of members of the Hearts football team
• Patriotism was one reason why men enlisted, because, they felt they were doing their bit for King and Country
• The white feather was one reason why men enlisted, because, had they not enlisted they would've been called a coward, and given a white feather