What was the impact of warfare on civilians in the 20th century?

Learning objective – to be able to identify changes and continuities in the impact of warfare on civilians in the 20th century. I can describe the key changes and continuities in impact of warfare on civilians in the 20th century. Grade 3 I can explain the key changes and continuities in impact of warfare on civilians in the 20th century. Grade 6 I can explain and assess changes and continuities in impact of warfare on civilians in the 20th century. Grade 9

How did the First World War impact upon civilians? Women at work – Because of total war, women were needed to complete work that was previously the reserve of men, such as farming and industrial work. In the First World War, 1.5 million more women were in the workplace. Bombing raids – Between 1917 and 1918, there were 556 bombing raids on England. The accounted for the 1413 of the 1570 civilian deaths in the First World War. From 1917, air raid precautions, such as blackouts were enforced. Food shortages – Caused by German U-boats targeting supply ships the government introduced rationing in early 1918 to combat the shortages of food. Increased role of the Government – The Defence of the Realm Act in 1914 extended government powers to interfere in daily life to unprecedented levels. For example, the government controlled what the press could publish, created a Ministry of Food and Ministry of Munitions and controlled wages and prices.

How did the Second World War impact upon civilians? Consumer shortages – Because of total war, industry was concentrated on the war effort and did not make consumer goods. There were shortages and recycling campaigns like ‘Make Do and Mend’ were encouraged by the government. Bombing raids – There were frequent and intense bombing campaigns that focused on cities and key targets. Approximately 60,000 civilians were killed and 2 million homes destroyed causing significant homelessness. Food shortages – Rationing was introduced in 1939 and stopped in 1954. Conscription – Introduced in October 1939. Workforce – the workforce increased to focus on the war effort. 6.5 million women were employed in factories or shipyards. Censorship and propaganda – Reporting was closely censored by the government and news about the war came through newspapers, cinema and radio. Emergence of the Home Guard – In 1940, a volunteer force was formed to fight against any invasion.

How did the Cold War impact upon civilians? Although Britain was not involved in any fighting during the Cold War, the main fear was over a nuclear strike. In response to this fear, the government issued from the 1960s regular advice about what to do to prepare for a nuclear attack. This came in the form of leaflets and broadcasts. Fears intensified during the 1980s when the Americans stationed nuclear bombs in Britain and the Chernobyl accident in 1986. This increased anti-nuclear protests, such as CND, but these had a limited impact.

How did terrorism impact upon civilians? Terrorism has been the most recent fear of civilians relating to warfare. Terrorism has hit modern British society since the 1970s with the IRA campaigning for an independent Ireland and a bombing campaign took place through to the mid 1990s. More recently, terrorism has come through militant Islamic groups or disaffected individuals. This has grown since the emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant in 2014.

Rising civilian deaths Before 1900 – 5% First World War – 15% Second World War – 65% Wars in the 1990s – 90%

How has warfare brought benefits to British society? Women in society – Increased opportunities for women helped challenge traditional views on the capabilities of women. Medical benefits – Some medical improvements, such as plastic surgery, were accelerated because of the need to treat people quickly in times of war. Social reforms – During warfare, people got used to governments controlling aspects of daily life. People expected the government to continue this commitment in peacetime. This led to the creation of the modern welfare state.

Who were ‘conscientious objectors’ in the First World War? Men who refused to fight on the grounds of conscience or personal beliefs were called conscientious objectors. There were 16,000 registered conscientious objectors and they formed their own organisation called the British Neutrality League at the start of the war but developed into Non-Conscription Fellowship in 1916. All those who declared themselves a conscientious objector had to attend a tribunal to attest to their stance on fighting. Most failed. Attitudes towards them were aggressive and often mocked and labelled cowards.

How has reporting wars changed? At the start of the First World War, only one reporter [ an army officer] was allowed to rep[ort directly from the battlefield. This increased to 5 journalists in 1916. By the Iraq War of 2003, 700 reporters were in the battlefield and lived alongside the soldiers. The reasons for this change were – Technology – The 20th century saw the development of mass media with immediate reporting. Censorship – Modern technology and the ability to access information has made it difficult for governments to suppress information. This has led to greater questioning of government decisions and actions. Some censorship sill exists, as military personnel check journalist reports before they are sent for publication.

How have attitudes towards warfare changed? The First World War was supported by a wave of patriotism and duty and many men joined to serve in the military forces. By the end of the Second World War in 1945, the feeling of patriotism declined and by the Iraq War in 2003, more than one million people protested against the war. The reasons for the declining support for warfare were – Reporting of wars – Graphic images of the impact of war led to a decline in support for campaigns. Financial costs – Warfare is expensive and many think war is a waste of money. Rising human costs – modern warfare creates greater casualties. Although modern techniques aim to target better and limit civilian casualties.

Task Design a mind map that summarises the key impacts which warfare had on civilians. In the centre of the mind map write ‘Civilians and warfare in the 20th century’ and from the centre have four main branches which have the words – First World War, Second World War Cold War and Terrorism – on them. Extension question ‘The Second World War had the most significant impact on civilians than any other conflict of the twentieth century’. How far do you agree with this statement?

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.