The Defence of The Realm Act (DORA) Lesson starter: Give three reasons why men were willing to join the army when war broke out in 1914.

Today we will… Understand what the purpose of the Defence of the Realm Act was Identify some of the key parts of the Act

The Home Front This refers to anything happening back in Britain during the time of the war.

Background… Herbert Asquith When war broke out, the government felt it was important that everyone got behind the war effort They felt daily life would have to change in order to keep Britain safe Must make sure there’s no funny business going on in Blighty

The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) was passed on 8th August 1914 (4 days after war was declared.) It meant the UK government had much more power over the people and could control their behaviour to help win the war.

DORA As we look at each part of the Act, try and think about WHY the government wanted to control that specific thing.

Taking photos of anything to do with Army/ Navy was banned

Homing pigeons were not allowed

Flags, kites and anything else that could be seen from the air were banned

People were not allowed to feed ducks or birds

It was illegal to spread false rumours

Pub opening hours were cut

Beer was watered down .

British Summer Time (BST) was introduced

All letters from soldiers in the war had to be checked before they were sent home CENSORSHIP

CENSORSHIP All newspapers had to be checked before publishing Negative articles were erased CENSORSHIP

Other parts of DORA Prices were controlled Trade unions were restricted Foreign nationals (aliens) were arrested or deported Curfews were introduced All factories became property of the government Any land could be turned into crop growing land

Today we will… Understand what the purpose of the Defence of the Realm Act was Identify some of the key parts of the Act