How Did the First World War Affect British Society
When we think about war, we think about words like death, disabled people, conquer and destroy. Without exception, the Great War during 1914-1918 was a catastrophe to the people and the countries involved. For Britain, the casualty numbered approximately 722000. It counts for 6.3 percent of the male aged 15-49 of the whole country (Beckett, 2001: 312). 1600000 wives lost their husbands. 300000 children lost their father. Millions were wounded or disfigured permanently (Bourne, 1989:178). Though miseries bought by the war were hard to release, on the other hand, a dissolving effect on the structure of the society as a consequence of the war generated positive influences on the British community (Marwick, 2006: 27). For instance, relative weak groups like women and working-class strengthened their power and earned their recognition in the wartime (Marwick, 2006: xiii). These could be considered significant as they had brought permanent impact on the British society. The relevance between the Frist World War and the changes in British society is the main theme that will be examined in this essay. The first part will focus on general impact of the war on society. Then the second and third part will analyze how exactly the relationship and process is on two aspects of class and gender under the impact of the Great War.
'War and society could not be categorically differentiated' (Marwick, 2006: xii). In spite of the military event occurred in the process of the Great War. The support from the British society, 'a war behind a war', was the real reason for obtaining victory of this battle. By the time of the declaration of the war, British society was less prepared for the war than the army. The pre-war military demands was no that urgent. Only 120000 men, 40000 animals, 334 lorries, 133 cars, 166 motor cycles, 300 guns and 63 aircraft. Army of this size showed barely no influence on the economic and social life of Britain. However, by the year 1918. The BEF had 2360400
'War and society could not be categorically differentiated' (Marwick, 2006: xii). In spite of the military event occurred in the process of the Great War. The support from the British society, 'a war behind a war', was the real reason for obtaining victory of this battle. By the time of the declaration of the war, British society was less prepared for the war than the army. The pre-war military demands was no that urgent. Only 120000 men, 40000 animals, 334 lorries, 133 cars, 166 motor cycles, 300 guns and 63 aircraft. Army of this size showed barely no influence on the economic and social life of Britain. However, by the year 1918. The BEF had 2360400