This GCSE revision podcast presents an overview of the impact of World War 1 on British civilians.

The episode is split into two key sections – recruitment and government powers.  When you have listened to the podcast, you may like to check out the British Civilians in WW1 PowerPoint.

Beginning with the popular excitement at the outbreak of war, the podcast explains how the British army recruited soldiers to join the army from the early days of voluntary recruitment through to the introduction of conscription in 1916.  There is then an explanation of the effect of conscription on British society, which referenced conscientious objectors.  For information on the role of women in the First World War, check out the podcast about women and the right the vote.

The second part of the podcast presents an overview of the different powers granted to the government under the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA).  The effect of DORA on the civilian population of Britain is also assessed, with a particular focus on the causes and consequences of rationing.  The podcasts ends with an explanation of how propaganda and censorship were used in Britain during the First World War.