Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the First World War through the lens of its imperial dimension. They analyse the reasons for the outbreak of war and assess how it affected Britain at home and abroad.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the impact that World War One had on life both in Britain and in the colonies of the British Empire.

Key Notes

• The estimated four million British men who fought in for Britain fought mostly in trenches, with huge losses of life.
• The war revolutionised life in Britain, particularly with women entering the workforce.
• The war slowed Ireland's journey towards independence from Britain, which would result in partition.
• The British army were supported by around three million soldiers from the British empire and former colonies.

Vocabulary To Learn

• total war: a conflict in which the countries involved are willing to make any sacrifices to achieve victory
• empire: an empire is a group of countries or provinces ruled from the country by one person or a group of people
• colonial: relating to a country or area under the control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country
• Home Rule: Home Rule is when a country is given some independence, usually in the form of their own government

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The impact of WWI was limited to Europe, and those directly affected by the deaths of troops.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Growing international tension in the early 1900s Study Guide
• The First World War in the colonies Study Guide
• The impact of WW1 on the British Homefront Study Guide
• The outbreak of war in 1914 Study Guide
• The Western Front in WW1 Study Guide