World War 1 Essay

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World War I, a pivotal military conflict that echoed across nations, had a lasting effect on the United Kingdom. Britain underwent numerous changes in the political, social, cultural, economic, and military domains. Nonetheless, persistent aspects such as unshakeable national identity and the steady monarchy remained unchanged during these changes. Prior to and throughout WWI, Britain stood as a powerful colonial empire, powered by its dominant navy. Several causes contributed to the British Empire's strength prior to World War One. One of the most significant was their extensive foreign territories. The empire's colonies, such as India, Australia, and South Africa, gave crucial resources to the British. Crucial recourses were found in the …show more content…

On top of that, the Navy was critical to the British Empire's territorial advancement, notably in the Middle East and Africa. This expansion, which was largely backed by the Navy's immense size and firepower, provided Britain with the capacity, and means to defend its area against invasions, frequently only having to result in using just naval forces. The British navy also contributed significantly to the war by maintaining blockades, taking control of enemy coasts, and sinking enemy vessels, hindering other nations' trade routes. On September 3rd, 1939, long after World War 1 had concluded, the British Navy had still maintained excellence and was engaging German U-boats as the Battle of the Atlantic commenced, a crucial contributor to the eventual Entente …show more content…

We see examples of the change in Source 2 - The source shows how women took on work, specifically in the form of being a munition worker. Prior to World War one, Historical information indicates that in 1911, there were about 23% of women working in England and Wales. Due to the majority of men enlisting to go fight on the frontline, women took on new jobs which had belonged previously to men. Women were instrumental in the production of the bullets and shells needed for the British Army's operations during World War I in munitions plants. The responsibilities performed by female employees at the Chilwell Arms Factory in Nottinghamshire are shown in Source 2 "A Day in The Life of A Munitions Worker,". Although their job was crucial, there were many difficulties. The conditions at factories were frequently unpleasant, uncomfortable, and hazardous. Female employees, referred to as "munitionettes," had little protection from the harmful chemicals employed in manufacturing. We see examples of the change of social dynamics in Source 3 – The Representation of the People Act 1918. The act was put into place as ‘a response to the exclusion of returning soldiers from voting’, however, it also greatly affected women’s rights and granted women over the age of 30 to vote if they met

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