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World War I and the British Homefront

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Although World War I was fought primarily in battles throughout Europe, the war also impacted people on the home front who were forced to make political, social and economic tactical changes to help in the war effort. Political tactics were now directed toward the war, focusing on maintaining a strong moral on the homefront. The Defence of the Realm Act was passed in 1914, a few days after Britain entered World War I. The Law gave the British government more power during the war period, in hope to strengthen the war effort. The first laws stated that the British people were prevented from communicating with the enemy and that threatening the safety of ports or harbours was to be punished under the Army Act. As the war worn on, more demands were made of the British, and the Defence Act was edited and now stated that people could no longer start bonfires, fly kites, feed wild animals or discus military or naval matters. The British government wanted to ensure a strong morale on the Homefront as they believed it was vital to the success of the war. Censorship of soldier's letters was very common and was used to ensure that people kept a high moral and not to be scared or upset about the fighting. Propaganda that was used to increase the war effort could be found in newspapers, radio broadcasts, games and even films. The film The Battle of the Somme came out in 1916 which could be seen in cinemas around the country. The film is said to be a propaganda triumph as it included British victories and helped people at home see how they were directly helping the war effort. Propaganda was also used to help recruit more soldiers with posters highlighting the joy of the war and the duty men had to go and fight for their country. The war also saw a huge advancements in women's rights with women household owners over the age of 30 winning the vote in the Representation of the People Act in 1918. The war can be seen as a major catalyst for women's r

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