Experience of Civilians

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Experience of Civilians: World Wars

Civilian exposure to and understanding of warfare increased dramatically in the modern era.

Changes

WWI was fought not only on the battlefields, but on the Home Front as well.
Even civilians who did not have friends or relatives fighting were acutely aware of the battles, successes and losses.
As we move closer to the modern day, technology and the internet mean not only are civilians able to easily access the reality of war, they are often targeted as victims of warfare, in terrorist attacks.

Early 20th century

Huge recruitment of civilians, with conscription ensuring a significant number of ‘civilian soldiers’.
Affected by demand for weapons and ammunition - millions of women worked in roles previously seen as ‘men’s work’.

Home Front

Home Front– the civilian sector of a nation at war (mobilising man power to assist with provision of weapons, ammunition, food etc).
During the First World War, civilians in Britain were affected to a degree that was previously unknown – it was the first total war, requiring people living in Britain to play a key role in the fight for victory.
In WWII, this role increased.

Newspapers

Newspapers were able to produce reports quickly.
The Times newspaper reported on the first day of the Somme (1 July 1916) just two days after it happened.
However government censorship was strong during WWI and WWII.
The government were keen to boost morale, protect secrets and provide controlled information.

Experience of Civilians: Changes

Reasons why civilians’ experience of warfare changed in the modern era.

The Cold War

After Hiroshima there was a very real fear of a nuclear strike.
In the 1980s the UK government issued leaflets and TV broadcasts on what to do in case of an attack.

The War on Terror

After 9/11 (which killed 3000), further terrorist attacks were feared.
The 7/7 bombings in 2005 killed 52 and injured 700.
The ISIS attacks in Paris in Nov 2015 killed 130.
A terrorist threat has intensified.

Attitudes

Modern attitudes are less supportive of Britain going to war now than they were in 1900.
Unquestioning patriotism is no longer promoted.

Censorship

The government cannot control or censor what is shown on the internet and the public have a more ‘real’ view of conflict.
The power of media to influence attitude, government policy and military strategy has become known as the ‘CNN effect’.

Public opinion

The electorate (amount of people who can vote) has expanded rapidly.
In 1969 suffrage was extended to those aged 18. Previously only citizens aged 21 and over could vote.
The government has to be increasingly sensitive to public opinion.
Public opinion (influenced by media) encouraged withdrawal from the Iraq war in 2009.

Protests

However – don’t overestimate – anti-war protests, however well supported, often achieve very little.

Experience of Civilians Today

Civilian exposure to and understanding of warfare increased dramatically in the modern era.

The end of censorship

Exposure to warfare is uncensored, with the internet and live-broadcasting making it difficult for the government to control or limit the news that gets out.

Civilian attacks

Civilians are increasingly targeted in attacks:
- 9/11 attacks in New York.
- 7/7 bombings in London.
- Manchester Arena bombings.
- London’s terrorist attacks - Westminster, London Bridge.

The War on Terror

After 9/11 (which killed 3000), further terrorist attacks were feared.
The 7/7 bombings in 2005 killed 52 and injured 700.
The ISIS attacks in Paris in Nov 2015 killed 130.
A terrorist threat has intensified.

1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500

1.1Medieval Warfare & Society

1.1.1Weapons

1.1.2Composition

1.1.3Recruitment & Training

1.1.4Experience of Civilians

1.1.5Case Studies

1.1.6Change in Medieval Warfare

2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700

2.1Early Modern Warfare & Society

2.1.1Weapons

2.1.2Composition

2.1.3Recruitment & Training

2.1.4Experience of Civilians

2.1.5Case Studies

2.1.6Change in Early Modern Warfare

3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900

3.1The Industrial Period & Warfare

3.1.1Weapons

3.1.2Composition

3.1.3Recruitment & Training

3.1.4Experience of Civilians

3.1.5Case Studies

3.1.6Change in Industrial Period Warfare

4Modern Warfare c.1900-present

4.1Modern Warfare & Society

4.1.1Weapons

4.1.2Composition

4.1.3Recruitment & Training

4.1.4Experience of Civilians

4.1.5Case Studies

4.1.6Change in Modern Warfare

5The Historic Environment

5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45

5.1.1London: A Target

5.1.2Preparations for War

5.1.3The Blitz

5.1.4V1 & V2 Attacks

5.1.5Impact of the Blitz

5.1.6The War Effort

5.1.7The Government

5.1.8The Royal Family

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