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Air raids on British cities were conducted by German Zeppelins during the war.

World War One: 1914-18 - The Home Front

This GCSE History quiz looks at life on the Home Front in World War One, from propaganda posters and rationing to women’s war work and government controls.

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Fascinating Fact:

The government used propaganda to maintain support for the war. Posters, films, and newspaper reports stressed duty, sacrifice, and the need to defeat Germany.

In GCSE History, the Home Front topic explores how people in Britain experienced World War One away from the trenches. Pupils study government controls, civilian hardship, propaganda campaigns, changing work patterns and how society adapted to a long and total war.

Key Terms

Home Front: Life in the country at war, where civilians supported the conflict through work, taxes and sacrifice rather than direct fighting.
Conscription: A law that requires people, usually men of a certain age, to join the armed forces when the state decides it is necessary.
Rationing: A system that strictly controls how much food or fuel each person can buy so that supplies last and are shared more fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What do historians mean by the Home Front in World War One?

The Home Front refers to how ordinary people in Britain experienced World War One away from the battlefields. It includes their work, living conditions, government controls and the ways civilians supported the war effort.

How did the British government use propaganda during World War One?

The British government used posters, films, leaflets and carefully managed news reports to shape opinion. Propaganda encouraged enlistment, supported recruitment of women workers and tried to keep morale high by presenting the war as necessary and justified.

How did life change for women in Britain on the Home Front?

Many women took jobs that had previously been done by men, such as in munitions factories, transport and farming. Their contribution strengthened arguments for political rights and helped lead to limited votes for women after the war.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

In 1916 conscription was introduced, forcing men to join up. What name was given to those who refused to obey the summons?

Refuseniks

Non-combatants

Conscientious Objectors

Neutralists

Those who refused to enlist were a problem for the authorities, who decided to make life deliberately unpleasant for them in order to deter others

2 .

Immediately on the outbreak of war an Act of Parliament was passed to restrict many ordinary activities, and to allow the state to increase its area of responsibility. What was this act called?

DORA

The Official Secrets Act

The Treason Act

The Wartime Powers Act

For example, whistling and loitering were now forbidden by law

3 .

Civilians in urban areas like London suffered from bombing raids. Which kind of aircraft usually featured in such raids?

Bomber aeroplanes

Airships/Zeppelins

Flying boats

Fighter aircraft

Such attacks caused relatively little damage, but they still terrorised civilians

4 .

Which senior British army officer featured in a poster campaign to persuade volunteers to join the forces?

Haig

French

Kitchener

Roberts

Men were asked to reply to their country's call in its hour of need, as if each individual was being challenged personally

5 .

Many men left their civilian jobs to join the forces, but some in essential roles were not allowed to switch. What term was used for work like this, for example, coal-mining or train driving?

Exempted occupations

Reserved occupations

Essential occupations

Excluded occupations

Coal was vital for the making of munitions, as was steel. Work on the land was crucial, but women were able to take over many jobs in this sector

6 .

Rationing of certain food items (e.g. sugar, meat, butter, jam and tea) was introduced. In which year?

1917

1914

1918

1916

Ration cards were provided for families and individuals. It was possible to obtain extra supplies - but only by paying for them on the "Black Market"

7 .

At the end of 1914 German warships from the High Seas Fleet bombarded several British coastal towns. Which of the following towns was among the victims?

Cromer

Skegness

Bridlington

Scarborough

These raids were intended to show British civilians that they were not safe anywhere from the enemy's attacks

8 .

In 1915 a new government post was announced to increase the supply of munitions. The new minister toured the country energetically, encouraging production and preventing strikes. Who was the first person to occupy this post?

Lord Beaverbrook

Sir Patrick Geddes

David Lloyd George

Winston Churchill

If he were to be successful in this post, the new minister might well seek further promotion

9 .

What two words describe a situation where the prosecution of the war effort requires the mobilisation of all the state's resources, including civilian manpower?

Totalitarian War

Total War

Universal War

Wholesale War

This was a foreshadowing of things to come. No war would ever again be quite the same

10 .

In May 1916 time was fixed to allow as much daylight for civilian workers as possible. Which system did Britain adopt?

British Summer Time

Central Standard Time

Eastern Daylight Saving Time

British Standard Time

It was believed that workers worked best in daylight, so the system that offered the least darkness during the working day was adopted