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The Impact of Total War: Political, Economic, and Social Changes in WWI

This analysis explores the significant political centralization and economic regimentation during World War I, detailing how expectations of a short war affected long-term planning. It highlights the mobilization of millions in EU countries and the shift from free market capitalism to government-regulated economies. It addresses the roles of key figures like Walter Rathenau in Germany and David Lloyd George in Britain, the dynamics of public opinion, and the social implications, including women's roles and labor movements, revealing how class distinctions were both challenged and reinforced.

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The Impact of Total War: Political, Economic, and Social Changes in WWI

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Presentation Transcript

  1. The Home Front

  2. A. Total War: Political Centralization and Economic Regimentation • Expectation of short war = no long term economic planning & wartime needs • EU countries mobilized millions of men • Free market capitalism replaced with gov’t regulated economies • Little distinction between soldiers on battlefield & civilians at home

  3. B. Germany • Most successful planned economy • Walter Rathenau – War Raw Materials Board • Less successful rationing food • German war gov’t under military authority – General Paul von Hindenburg, Erich Ludendorff • Auxiliary Service Law of 1916 – all males 17-60 required to work in war jobs

  4. C. Great Britain • More centralized gov’t & planned economy • Ministry of Munitions created July 1915 – led by David Lloyd George • Also rationed food & imposed rent controls

  5. D. France • Less successful than BR & GR in creating war gov’t • NE FR occupied by GR  interference with production • Conflict between military & political leaders • Georges Clemenceau – est. civilian control in 1917

  6. E. Russia, Austria-Hungary, Italy • Much less successful mobilization than BR, GR, FR • Autocratic empires, backwards economies • Russians conscripted millions; armed 1/4th • Ethnic minorities obstacle to internal cohesion • ITL  lacked enthusiasm and resources

  7. F. Public Order and Public Opinion • Strike activity increased dramatically • Violence in Ireland  Easter Rebellion • Most opposition to war came from liberals and socialists • Mutinies in FR & ITL armies • Nationalistic ambitions from ethnic minorities • Authoritarian & parliamentary gov’ts used force to silence opposition • Propaganda used to create support for war

  8. G. The Social Impact of Total War • End to unemployment – high demand for jobs • New acceptance of trade and labor unions • New benefits to labor movement  collective bargaining, increased prestige and enrollment • New roles for women

  9. 5. Some male resistance 6. Women’s presence in workforce was temporary 7. Women gained the right to vote in BR, GR, A-H 8. Social class groups equal on the battlefield 9. WWI did not eliminate class conflict

  10. H. The Economic Impact of Total War • Owners of large manufacturing industries  $$ from war • Inflation caused inequality • Middle-class hit hard

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