Changing Attitudes to the War in Britain and Germany

Changing Attitudes to the War in Britain and Germany

CHANGING ATTITUDES TO THE WAR IN BRITAIN AND GERMANY

Britain changes from –
Troops sickened by carnage, perceived lack of compassion by leaders behind the lines
Growing casualty lists
Aerial attacks on cities (Zeppelins)
Germany’s U-Boat campaign
- Led to shortages and rationing
Yet, anti-war feelings never reached the point of mutiny and revolutions such as Russia and Germany

Growth in British opposition –
Socialist groups, believed the working class of each side should really be united in a struggle against exploitation.   Groups include:
- Union of Democratic Control (UDC, accused of being German spies)
- No Conscription Fellowship (NCF, socialists, feminists, religious dissenters etc.)
Conscientious objectors; Britain totaled 16,100
- They were dealt with mildly, seen as slackers and cowards, although given some exemption from the forces
Strikes were a major problem
- 1915, Welsh miners went on strike
- 1917, there were 688 strikes involving 860,000 workers
o Portrayed by press as unpatriotic
- Gov. saw this not as a protest against the war but the pressures of the war… THUS:
o Wages increased
o Women promised vote
o Propaganda campaigns
Britain experienced less anti-war dissent as:
1. Less economic strain (Navy better guaranteed lines of supply)
2. Lloyd George seen as better to respond to citizens needs on home front
3. Stronger British propaganda
4. More distinct class system, people simply accepted their place in society

At first outbreak, many were eager to go to war in August 1914
- Young trying to prove themselves, genuine patriotic spirit evident
- Belief it would all be over by X-Mas
- Propaganda encouraged many
Germany – Most supported the war
- Opposition were limited and mute
o Due to patriotism and authoritarian gov.
 Kept a tight lid on dissent through punishment such as imprisonment
- Germany Peace Society opposed the war
o Quickly disappeared from oppression

Germany suffered from the...