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Year 9

The impact of WW1 on the British Homefront

I can explain the ways in which life changed across Britain for different people during the war.

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New
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Year 9

The impact of WW1 on the British Homefront

I can explain the ways in which life changed across Britain for different people during the war.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. WWI had a significant impact on life in Britain.
  2. The government took control of key industries such as railways, shipping and coal mining.
  3. Large numbers of men in Britain volunteered to fight in the war before conscription was introduced in 1916.
  4. Calls for Irish independence were delayed by the outbreak of war.
  5. A large number of women entered the workforce to replace the men that had gone to fight in the war.

Keywords

  • Partition - when a country is divided into at least two smaller states/countries

  • Rationing - governments can introduce rationing to allow people to have a fixed amount of something - usually food or other goods

  • Censorship - censorship is when a government or organisation prevents the sharing of information or ideas that are considered 'unsuitable'

  • Home Rule - Home Rule is when a country is given some independence, usually in the form of their own government

  • Munitions - munitions are military weapons or equipment needed for military weapons

Common misconception

The war had very little impact on Ireland.

Irish calls for independence were delayed by the outbreak of war, and then further delayed in 1918.


To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: The impact of WW1 on the British Homefront, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

In explaining Ireland's journey to independence, emphasise that although the pace was slowed by the war, the change was still significant and has lasting impacts that can be seen today!
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following countries was the last to declare war in the 'July Crisis' of 1914?
Austria-Hungary
Correct answer: Britain
France
Russia
Spain
Q2.
Match each key word to the correct definition
Correct Answer:partitioned,when a country is divided into two or more smaller countries
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when a country is divided into two or more smaller countries

Correct Answer:rationing,to allow people to have a fixed amount of something
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to allow people to have a fixed amount of something

Correct Answer:censorship,to prevent the sharing of information considered unsuitable
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to prevent the sharing of information considered unsuitable

Correct Answer:munitions,military weapons or equipment needed for military weapons
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military weapons or equipment needed for military weapons

Correct Answer:Home Rule,when a country is given some independence
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when a country is given some independence

Q3.
What was introduced in Britain in 1916 to recruit more British men into the army?
Correct Answer: Conscription, conscription
Q4.
Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into the order in which they happened.
1 - The 'July Crisis' is triggered by Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.
2 - Britain enter the war, by declaring war on Germany.
3 - Lord Kitchener begins his recruitment campaign.
4 - 2.5 million men voluntarily sign up to join the British army.
5 - Conscription is introduced in Britain.
6 - More people are needed in the British workforce with millions of men at war.
Q5.
Which of these statements best describes the position of Ireland by 1914?
As a British colony, all Irish people were fighting for full independence.
Correct answer: Many in Ireland wanted varying levels of independence from Britain.
As part of the UK, all Irish people were happy to obey the British government.
Q6.
Which of these statements best describes the position of women in Britain by 1914?
Correct answer: Although millions of women worked, they were not legally equal to men.
No woman was allowed to work.
A limited number of women could vote, but only if they were wealthy enough.
Correct answer: No woman was able to vote.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
When did the British Parliament vote to allow Ireland Home Rule?
1916
Correct answer: 1912
1801
1918
Q2.
What was the name of the law that gave the British government the power to control most aspects of peoples' lives?
Correct Answer: Defence of the Realm Act, defence of the realm act
Q3.
Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into the order in which they happened.
1 - Ireland becomes part of the United Kingdom
2 - Ireland is promised Home Rule
3 - World War One breaks out, Home Rule is postponed
4 - 200 000 Irish soldiers fight in World War One
5 - World War One ends, but Home Rule is not granted
6 - Ireland is partitioned, and Northern Ireland granted Home Rule
Q4.
Which one of these statements best explains why life in Britain was known as the 'Home Front'?
battles took place in Britain
soldiers regularly returned home
Correct answer: people in Britain felt that they were part of the war
Q5.
Which two of the following statements best describes the impact of the war on women in Britain?
All women immediately gained the vote for their role on the Home Front
Correct answer: Women gained greater independence as a result of their contributions in the war
Correct answer: Not all women gained the vote immediately after the war
For all women, life returned to normal in 1918 and nothing changed
There were some changes, but only short term changes for a few women
Q6.
Which one of these statements best describes the impact of the war on Ireland?
The war accelerated Ireland's journey to independence
The war had no impact on Ireland's journey to independence
The war only postponed Irish independence until 1918
Correct answer: The war slowed Ireland's journey to independence

Additional material

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