The civilian experience of World War I: aspects of Wolverhampton, 1914-1918

Gower, Stephen John Lawford (2000). The civilian experience of World War I: aspects of Wolverhampton, 1914-1918. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Whilst a number of histories of the impact of the First World War on individual towns have been written, most were produced in the immediate aftermath of the war and lack a true sense of perspective. This thesis considers various aspects of life during the war of Wolverhampton, a Midlands town of some 90,000 inhabitants. It traces influences upon public opinion and reactions to events of the war, showing a patriotic line, though one less overtly nationalistic than is perceived at the national level. Further chapters look at the effect of the war upon employment and industry, and at the response of local churches, including Non-Conformist churches prominent in Wolverhampton. The mixed motives underlying patriotic support of the war are examined. Confused attempts in the town to identify hardship genuinely arising from the war and the response to the threat of air raids are discussed and seen as indicative of a general failure to comprehend the nature of this, the first total war, and to produce measured responses.

It is argued that a more positive image of the town could well have been produced if written immediately after the war, as opposed to the frequently unflattering picture which emerges in this thesis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):