Description
Book SynopsisThe First World War required the mobilisation of entire societies, regardless of age or gender. In the fullest account to-date of the home front, leading historians chart how its impact changed Britain for ever from political and economic transformation to social and domestic life.
Trade Review'This is the most comprehensive reassessment of the 'Home Front' in the United Kingdom that has been published for a generation. It will provide an indispensable starting point for future scholars of the war and helpful and enlightening reading to those who have a general interest in Britain and Ireland during this period.' Adrian Gregory, author of The Last Great War: British Society and the First World War
'In the fullest study in a generation, leading historians use social, economic, cultural, and political history to shine new light on Britain's home front in the Great War. They show why civilians were central to a 'total war' and integrate Ireland as part of the United Kingdom of the period.' John Horne, editor of A Companion to World War I
'This collection makes a vital contribution to the political, economic and social history of the First World War. Drawing on the expertise of leading scholars in their fields, it provides a comprehensive study of the British Home Front. It forms an essential addition to the historical literature of the war.' Jessica Meyer, author of Men of War: Masculinity and the First World War in Britain
'Hew Strachan's edited volume adds a strong scholarly voice to the chorus of commemoration still echoing from the centenary of the Great War. Here is a book which respects local identities and imperial loyalties, and shows how British initiatives in the management of manpower, production and finance underwrote victory in the 1914-18 war.' Jay Winter, author of Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning: The Great War in European Cultural History
Table of ContentsIntroduction Hew Strachan; 1. The United Kingdom in 1914 Catriona Pennell; Part I. Government: 2. The monarchy Heather Jones; 3. The growth of cabinet government George Peden; 4. The defence of the realm act G. R. Rubin; 5. Local Government: The experience of Essex Stuart Hallifax; 6. The clergy and cultural mobilisation Edward Madigan; Part II. Resources: 7. Iron and steel Peter Claughton; 8. Timber Rob Newman; 9. Fishing Robb Robinson; 10. Agriculture Keith Grieves; 11. Coal David Howell; 12. Finance Jonathan Boff; Part III. People: 13. Labour, the labour party and the trades unions Chris Wrigley; 14. Enlistment and conscription Ian Beckett; 15. Charities Peter Grant; 16. Refugees Pierre Purseigle; 17. Prisoners of war and internees Panikos Panayi; Part IV. Production: 18. Munitions Gerard Charmley; 19. Clothing and uniforms Krisztina Robert; 20. Shipbuilding and ship repair Hugh Murphy; 21. Railways Christopher Phillips; 22. Seaborne trade and merchant shipping Martin Wilcox and David J. Starkey; 23. Food Mary Elisabeth Cox; Part V. Social Impacts: 24. Press and propaganda David Monger; 25. Pacifism Martin Ceadel; 26. Homes and families Maggie Andrews; 27. Crime and policing Louise A. Jackson; 28. Children Rosie Kennedy; 29. The home front as war front Susan R. Grayzel; 30. The United Kingdom in 1919 Martin Daunton.
