Question 1
1 ‘Working people were prepared to sacrifice their rights and liberties to support the national war effort.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view.
Source A: A female factory worker speaks of her experience in a factory a few days after she gave up working there.
Over and over again, the foreman gave me wrong directions which gave me hours more work. I had no tools that I needed and it was out of the question to borrow anything from the men. Two shop stewards informed me on the first day that they had no objection to my working there, provided I received the full men’s rate of pay. None of the men would give me any help. The other night, my drawer was nailed up by them and oil was poured over everything in it through a crack. I felt I had not sufficient skill to hold my own against an antagonistic foreman and I decided to give up.
Dorothy Poole, recorded remarks, 1915
Source B: A miners’ leader explains his opposition to agreements made by trade unions with the government.
The nationalistic cry of patriotism is failing in its power to distract the mind and consciousness of the worker. The chains of slavery are being welded tighter upon us. The ruling classes are over‑reaching themselves in their hurry to enslave us. Comrades, I appeal to you to rouse your union to protect the liberties of its members. An industrial truce was entered into by our leaders behind our backs. Away with the industrial truce! We must not stand by and allow the workers to be exploited and our liberties taken away.
A. J. Cook, speech, April 1916
Source C: A member of the Land Army writes about working on a farm near Nantwich, Cheshire.
We do have fun though the most part is really heavy, dirty work. I was knocked over by a calf this morning. My farmer is also the village blacksmith and I am learning to shoe a horse and blow the bellows. Some people tell me that I shall not be able to go on with my farm work in the winter because it will make my hands so bad. But I intend to stick to it. Our men don’t stop fighting in the cold weather and neither shall I. My only brother is in the trenches so you know how I feel!
Dorothy Chalmers, journal, summer 1917
Source D: The Commission of Enquiry into Industrial Unrest summarises the findings of the eight reports undertaken.
There is a strong feeling of patriotism on the part of employers and employed throughout the country and they are determined to help the state in its present crisis. Feelings of a revolutionary character are not entertained by the bulk of the men. On the contrary, the majority of the workmen are sensible of the national difficulties. Of the main causes of industrial unrest, the reports emphasised the Munitions of War Acts, high food prices, restrictions on liquor, lack of proper organisation amongst the unions and the inconsiderate treatment of women.
G. N. Barnes, MP, Report, July 1917
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