Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #244182 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Synopsis
The Great War had a profound impact on Britain. Not only did families risk their sons in active combat; every member of society was required to make a contribution to the war effort. National initiatives like rationing affected all, and civilians were now regarded as a legitimate military target. Reminders of this turbulent time survive today, in rituals such as Summer Time and Remembrance, nationwide war memorials, and the powerful myth of a lost generation slaughtered in a futile war. Here Ian Beckett examines the mobilization of the British people for the war effort and reassesses its impact on state and society. As evidence, he presents 40 key documents, including the King's rallying cry to the nation to 'eat less wheat', reports on social phenomena from anti-German riots to the drinking habits of women and juveniles, and Kitchener's initiatives to raise his New Armies.

Customer Reviews

The Was Was "Fought "At Home Too
Anyone asked to make a few comments with regards to the Great War, will normally think of soldiers in battledress, trench warfare, thousands of casualties and the suffering that followed, few however will remark on the conditions at home, where the there was hardly a family in the land who was not involved or effected in one way or another with the "war effort". Although British troops had already gone overseas to fight for King (or Queen) and Country for centuries, the Great War is considered to have been the first time that there was such a massive impact on British life in general.

As Fathers, sons and brothers together with friends and work colleagues fought side by side on foreign fields, those left behind worked harder than ever before to grow crops, produce the machinery of war and ammunition and whilst suffering from the loss of loved ones, had to contend with aerial bombardment and rationing. There was a vast influx of foreign refugees and as women were now expected to play an increasing part too, their lives and the female role in society was to change for ever.

I am sure that this, Ian Beckett's latest book will be an invaluable source of reference for family history researchers, military, social and local historians together with the casual reader too. It includes a wealth of information together with many excellent previously unpublished photographs, original letters and fascinating personal testimonies from the vast collection at the National Archives therefore making it excellent and compelling reading.

My wife's comment when she saw this publication of "I will be reading this myself", speaks volumes - I feel sure this will be a very popular book with the ladies too!

Excellent source
This book is very good indeed. In particular a large number of photos give a real insight into what life was like at the time 'back home'. Includes some photos of protests against profiteering and so on.