HIGHER HISTORY

Section 1 - ScottishThe Impact of the Great War 1914—1928Revision Guide

INTRODUCTION

SCOTLAND ON THE EVE OF THE GREAT WAR

Social and economic conditionsPopulation

Big population growth in Scotland prior to 1850. 1.26 million in 1755 to 2.62 million in 1841. Continued population growth, but not

revolutionary growth up to First World War. By 1911, 45.6% of the population lived in the central industrial areas. Industrial areas of the western lowlands were the dynamic areas of development. Population of Edinburgh (although growing) stagnant in comparison to the west. Migration to the west and natural population growth. Overall death and birth rates fell at this time. Last cholera outbreak was in the 1860s / diseases such as measles and whooping cough

less dangerous by the early 20th century. Improved medical knowledge and sanitation by the burgh and city councils. High death rates from bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Peaks in emigration: 1880s, 1900s and 1920s. 1853–1939: the number of emigrants was half the natural increase of the population. Most emigrants before the First World War seeking better opportunities came from central

Scotland. Scotland at the heart of transatlantic transport links; facilitating movement.

Urbanisation

By 1911, nearly 50% of Scots lived in towns of more than 20,000 people. Large industrial cities. 1901: 75 burghs with populations over 5000. Tradition of dynamic council government. Scottish housing small, with poor levels of sanitation, ventilation and light. Overcrowding an enduring problem. Mortality rate for Glaswegians living in one to two rooms was three to four times higher than

for those in bigger houses. 1911: 7.1% of English population lived in one to two room houses; in Scotland it was 47.7%.

Education 1872: education for children 5–13. Secondary schools largely existed in the towns and were dominated by the middle classes. Day schools such as Heriots and the Merchant Company schools in Edinburgh. History began to be taught as a systematic subject; establishment of professorships of

Scottish history at Edinburgh (1903) and Glasgow (1911). Admission of women to universities from the 1890s onwards. Employment opportunities for women graduates outside of teaching and social work were

limited.

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Politics

Traditional concerns: tariff reform, empire, land reform and temperance. New issues: old-age pensions, housing, health and unemployment insurance. Irish home rule: only given serious attention between 1910 and 1912. Politically volatile period: swings of support for the Conservatives and the Liberals, 1900

and 1906. 40% of male voters unable to vote. Slow growth of the Labour Movement. John Wheatley a key figure in the growth of socialist Labour politics. Liberals continued to reflect contemporary concerns.

The economy By 1914, the most significant industries were shipbuilding, engineering and coalmining. Core industrial areas: Strathclyde, Lothian, Central and Fife. Clydeside yards were major employers and world leaders in terms of output. Beginning of relative decline for heavy industries; 1890–1914, half the tonnage ordered

in the shipyards was for the Navy.

Land reform

Liberal support for redistribution of land key to their support before the First World War. Land agitation in the Hebrides in the 1900s. Land reform bills unsuccessful. Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911: impact minimal. Issue of land reform still to be settled.

Scottish martial tradition Popular histories of Scotland’s heroic past: the Wars of Independence, Covenanters and

the Jacobites. 18th century Scots dominance of the British Army; enduring symbol. 20th century decline in number of Scots in the army. Scottish regiments: kilts and tartan, highly visible regiments. Highland regiments resistant to amalgamation. Continued importance of military symbols, eg. the Highlands, the kilt and the bagpipe to

Scottish identity. Existence of local regiments important to the success of recruiting at the outbreak of the

First World War: the Daily Record reported that 6000 men from all classes enlisted in Glasgow in the first two days of the war; 20,000 had signed-up in Glasgow by the end of August; by the middle of September 1914 500,000 men had enlisted.

Relatively large number of Scots enlisted in the First World War – around 688,000.

SECTION 1 - SCOTS ON THE WESTERN FRONT3 | P a g e

Military legacy

Scots were good soldiers: legacy from fighting abroad and the Jacobite rebellion. The British Government recognised Highlanders’ abilities as fighters with endurance and fierce loyalty to their commanders.

Highland Clan structure lent itself to military structure: distinct kilted uniforms meant Highlanders were both feared and instantly recognisable. Mixture of reactions to them during the First World War, ranging from admiration to complaints of arrogance.

Soldiering was a respectable way of bettering yourself in the 19th century. Higher percentage of young Scots volunteered compared to England. Military matters widely reported in Scotland. Scotland comparatively poor so soldiering was a way of escaping poverty. Enthusiasm for war seen in formation of ‘pals battalions’. In Glasgow the corporation

units represented different parts of the city: the 15th HLI represented the tram workers, the 16th the Boys Brigade, the 17th the Chamber of Commerce. In Edinburgh similar units were formed and became the 11th, 12th and 13th Royal Scots. The 15th and 16th Royal Scots were also known as Cranston’s Battalion and McCrae’s Battalion owing to the commanding officers who brought them into being.

Military reality in 1914 Ten infantry regiments, each with two regular line battalions and a reserve battalion. Two battalions of Scots Guards in the Household Regiment. Battalion system meant that British units were associated with geographical areas. The

Cameronians recruited largely from Glasgow and industrial Lanarkshire, for example. The Gordon Highlanders recruited from the north-east.

One cavalry regiment: the Scots Greys. Three battalions were based in Scotland; eight regular battalions were based in England

or Ireland, helping form the six infantry divisions that made up the BEF. Another ten battalions were abroad; seven were in India.

Of the 247,000 officers and men of the BEF it is likely that at least 20,000 were Scottish. By the end of the war 584,098 Scots had served in the army. By end of 1915 2,466,719 men had volunteered: 320,589 or 13% were Scottish, forming

what became known as the New Army. Formation of distinctly Scottish divisions such as the 15th (Scottish] Division in light of

this. Important Scottish contribution to leadership: Douglas Haig, corps commander under

John French in the BEF, became commander-in-chief. Many Scots joined the Territorials: volunteering was a part of Scottish life in certain

social classes. Four of the 14 Territorial Divisions formed were Scottish: 51st Highland, 52nd Lowland, 64th Highland and 65th Lowland. Joining was as much a social thing as about warfare. Many Territorial units represented workplaces and even the old boys of schools.

The Battle of Loos

Part of a series of battles by the allies to attack the large German salient which ran from Flanders to Verdun. The French would attack in the south, the British in the north.

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British battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, Festubert and Loos. Loos involved the first of Kitchener’s New Army divisions. Scottish losses were so dreadful no part of Scotland was unaffected. The Black Watch

(raised in Tayside) had massive casualties; the 9th lost 680 officers and men in the first hours of the fighting. Of 950 men of the 6th Cameronians who went into battle, 700 were casualties.

A relatively meaningless battle in terms of what it achieved. Joint French-British offensive. Haig was sceptical owing to the lack of artillery and introduction of new army units. He was overruled by Kitchener. Haig felt he did not have enough men and his reserves were far behind the front line. Gas was to be used to make up for the lack of artillery.

Loos deserves to be called a Scottish battle owing to the large number of Scottish troops in action: 30,000 took part in the attack.

Of 72 infantry battalions taking part in the first phase of the battle, half were Scottish. Came up against stiff German opposition organised in strong points such as the

Hohenzollern Redoubt, Fosse 8 and Hill 70. Attack broke down owing to German reinforcement of their position and time it took to

get the reserve units up to support the limited successes of the first day. Five Victoria Crosses given to Scots after the battle in recognition of their extraordinary

bravery. Of the 20,598 names of the dead on the memorial at Loos one-third are Scottish. Bloody minded attitude of the survivors: losses were replaced and the Scottish units got

back to the job in hand.

The Battle of the Somme

Three Scottish divisions – 9th, 15th (Scottish) and 51st (Highland) – took part as well as numerous Scottish battalions in other units, eg the Scots Guards in the Household Division. 51 Scottish infantry battalions took part in the Somme offensive at some time.

Douglas Haig, an Edinburgh-born Scot, was made commander-in-chief by this time. Haig planned to attack the Germans with overwhelming force. He would break through

their lines and take over the reserve areas. A one-week bombardment from 1000 guns and a creeping barrage would mean that

British soldiers would be able to walk through German lines, it was hoped. German lines were well prepared and the British armies suffered horrendous casualties: 57,480 on the first day alone.

Examples of Scottish losses on the first day:– 15th (Cranstons) Royal Scots lost 18 officers and 610 soldiers wounded, killed or

missing– 16th (McCraes) Royal Scots lost 12 officers and 573 soldiers– 16th HLI lost 20 officers and 534 men.

51st Highland division suffered 3500 casualties following two attacks on an objective called High Wood.

Despite losses there was still a belief in victory, but some criticism of war and its slaughter began.

Successes existed as well: the 51st (Highland) division launched a successful attack at Beaumont Hamel with relatively few casualties in November 1918.

Tribute to the attitude of the Scottish soldier. Three platoons of the 16th HLI were isolated after an attack on a trench called Frankfurt Trench. They held out for eight days

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against ferocious German attacks. There was no military worth in their doing so. It said everything about their attitude.

At least 400,000 British casualties. Somme considered to be a win on points despite the slaughter for so little gained.

German commanders after the war felt the Somme had seen the death of the German field army. Scottish units learned the lessons of the battle despite their sacrifice.

9th (Scottish] Division performed well during the five months of fighting. Casualties were high – 314 officers and 7203 other ranks – yet morale remained high.

The Battle of Arras 1917 Saw concentration of 44 Scottish battalions and seven Scottish-named Canadian

battalions, attacking on the first day, making it the largest concentration of Scots to have fought together.

9th (Scottish), 15th (Scottish), 51st (Highland) Divisions as well as the battalions in other divisions.

Very successful initial assault, but with localised losses impetus was lost: German resistance stiffened and their reserves were brought up. Bad weather and the failure of the accompanying French ‘Nivelle’ offensive did not help either.

One third of the 159,000 British casualties were Scottish. Scottish units also involved in Third Battle of Ypres and Cambrai.

Haig General Haig who was born in Edinburgh into a wealthy family is either seen as a bloody

butcher or an architect of victory Some writers described the British soldiers as ‘lions led by donkeys’ and most British people

would associate Haig with the ‘donkey’ stereotype Haig was the man who caused the deaths of tens of thousands of his fellow countrymen,

however to others he was the Scot who won the war He was condemned as the man who sent hundreds of thousands of Scottish soldiers to their

deaths during the Somme and was insensitive to ever increasing death figures He was a very stubborn man and is considered to be one of the most intelligent of his duration,

he embraced new technology He didn’t have a good relationship with Lloyd George (prime minister to be) and he suffered

from criticism from the British public as they believed what Lloyd George said His orders had condemned a generation to slaughter on the western front he had gambled with

soldiers lives However, defenders point to large number of German casualties and argue that the attrition of

the Somme was the beginning of the end for Germany The Western Front was deadlocked when Haig became commander and his new troops

untested, yet by 1918 he had turned an army of raw recruits into a force that gained victory. Described by Terraine as ‘the educated soldier’

The reckoning Official estimates put the number of Scottish dead at 73,000. This was revised upwards to 100,000 by the 1920s (13% of British total).

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The names of over 148,000 Scots who lost their lives in all armed services shows the sacrifice made. Glasgow alone lost 18,000 men, or 1 in 57 of the population.

Loss of young men felt particularly in small, rural populations where casualties could have a disproportionate effect.

Scots wanted their own memorial in tribute to their special sacrifice: Edinburgh castle houses the memorial and museum. It was officially opened in 1928. Over 148,000 Scottish names are carved on the national war memorial.

The British Legion was set up and in 1921 the British Legion Scotland. Poppy day started at the same time. The act of silence at 11am on 11 November started in 1919.

SECTION 2THE DOMESTIC IMPACT OF THE WAR: SOCIETY & CULTURE

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Issues in the debate over conscription

Voices Against the War

Led by Keir Hardie, the strongest political group to oppose the war was the Independent Labour Party (ILP).

Party was criticised for being unpatriotic, membership fell to 3000 by 1914. However, many thousands of Scots had listened to and become convinced by its anti-war

message. ILP membership had increased from 3.000 to 9,000. Helen Crawfurd launched the Women’s Peace Crusade. By summer 1917 there were branches

all over Scotland. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom - Chrystal Macmillan. However, the number of pacifists and war resistors was tiny – calculated at less than half of one

per cent of the population.

Conscription

Even before conscription was introduced there was anti-war feelings in Scotland, 5000 people attended anti-war demo in Glasgow in 1914soon after the beginning of the war.

The I.L.P immediately attacked the official labour party for supporting Kitchener, people like the I.L.P had a bad reputation and were not popular in the media or society

January 1916 military service acts introduced conscription for single men aged between 19 and 40, later extended to include married men and eventually men up to age 50

There were some allowances made for certain reasons: There work was of national importance for example coal miners War would cause serious hardship owing to exceptional financial or business obligation Finally conscientious objectors , religious or political

Conscientious objectors

No Conscription Fellowship (NCF) was formed in London 1914 and came to Scotland in 1915 where a Glasgow branch was formed and it quickly spread across the nation

ILP started to compile its own bank of objectors it was said that the centre for the NCF, Dundee was ‘fair hootchin with objectors’

In Scotland 70% of all COs were members of the ILP, who claimed exemption on the basis of socialist principles.

Religious groups and churches were divided over the issue. The NCF and ILP mirrored each other’s campaigns and were portrayed as cowards in the

media Public opinion had little sympathy for conchies and newspapers described the NCF and ILP as cowards, peace cranks and ‘pasty faces’.

The Church of Scotland officially supported the war effort and the Moderator, Sir George Smith publicly attacked conchies in his speeches.

Some spoke out, Rev McCallum warning ‘this was neither God’s war nor a Holy war!’ The Quakers opposed all war as being against Christianity. Military tribunals judged whether or not to accept the claims of objectors. In order to be excused objectors had to appeal to military tribunals which consisted of local

people, businessmen and landowners The intention was to conscript as many men as possible so objections were usually denied One man who did gain exemption was Frank Hamilton because of the four of his brothers who

had been to war three had died and he argued that it would cause too much hardship for his mother.

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Around 7,000 conchies granted exemption accepted non-combat duties such as stretcher bearers in the front line or ambulance drivers.

There were also ‘alternatives’ who were prepared to undertake civilian work to help the war effort which was not supervised by the military – work in munitions factories. Many Scottish socialists, such as James Maxton, took this option.

In the UK 5970 ‘absolutists’ rejected any service and were imprisoned. The first imprisonment of objectors was in Aberdeen, the men would work ten hours a day

on pointless jobs like digging holes and filling them back up, they lived in old army tents ‘unsuitable’ for use, the consequence of this was thin men who were constantly wet and sickly. Some argued it was a harsher existence than the trenches.

At least 73 died as a consequence of the harsh treatment they received.

The impact of the war on Scottish women

The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA)

The Defence of the Realm Act became law on 8th August 1914 and gave the government wide-ranging powers to take action for the safety and security of the whole of the UK during the war. A number of measures were taken.

Alcohol consumption was curbed to ensure an efficient workforce. Opening hours of pubs were restricted – from 13 hours a day, except on Sunday, before the war to 5½ hours by 1916. The buying of rounds was banned, the strength of beer weakened.

Censorship of the press was undertaken by the War Office Press Bureau to ensure the enemy did not learn military secrets and to maintain morale. Reports of the fighting were limited and in the early months of the war reporters were not allowed anywhere near the fighting.

The Guardian newspaper for example reported that the first day of the Battle of the Somme as a ‘slow push sparing lives’ which had been ‘very satisfactory’.

Under the Munitions of War Act the government also took control of the supply of materials to ensure that enough resources were available to maintain the war effort. It set up its own munitions factories and took control of the coal industry. The government also took control of the railways and dockyards.

Men employed in vital war industries were forbidden to leave them. At the same time, those employed in other trades could be redirected to where they could do more for the war effort.

The government also restricted the freedoms of foreign people and naturalised British citizens. Foreign residents or 'aliens' throughout Britain found their lives dramatically changed. Redford Barracks in Edinburgh and Stobs Camp near Hawick were both promptly utilised as internment centres for foreigners deemed a danger to the security of the country.

By November 1914 there were only 35 male and 309 female enemy 'aliens' in the prohibited coastal areas from Aberdeen to Berwick. In Britain, the size of the German community during the war declined from 57,500 in 1914 to just 22,254 in 1919.

JOBS/ROLE FOR WOMEN

Women filled gaps left in employment as men either volunteered or were conscripted into the army

Number of women working increased from 593 000in 1911 to 638,500 decade later Women did a variety of jobs, previously not available to them. (W.R.A.F , W.R.N.S, Women’s

Land Army) conductors on trams and buses, rubber industry typists and secretaries- 200,000 worked in govt. depts.)

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Shift towards military and manufacturing employment. MUNITIONS INDUSTRY- Number of women in Scotland in heavy industry 1913- 4000 by

1918 31,500—manufacturing of shells, explosives, weapons etc..) In 1911 less than 6000 women were employed in the heavy industries but by the end of the

war over 30000 worked in the munitions factories alone In Gretna a huge purpose built munitions facility employed 9000 women and they lived in a

purpose built village They worked 12 hour shifts normally and the work was extremely dangerous, with money to

burn the women proved very rowdy and order had to be maintained by a women’s police force

Highly dangerous job-explosive mixtures described as the devil’s porridge-61 died from poisoning and 71 from explosions.

The jute industry (required to make sandbags for trenches) in Dundee relied heavily on women and its success was down to the 45% difference in their wage.

DILUTION About 30,000 women were employed in engineering during the war and the T.U were worried

this put the high wage of the seven year trained man at risk so an answer was needed quickly as it directly affected the war effort

The dilution scheme meant that jobs were broken down in individual processes and women were only trained In that process and were allowed to work under supervision

This kept the T.U happy and women could work making munitions it also stated that women should be paid comparable rates to men but this was easily avoided

THE VOTE The government made negotiations with the WSPU(SUFFRAGETTES) these resulted in all

WSPU prisoners being released and the WSPU receiving a government grant of £2000 to use their campaigning skills to encourage men to join the war

Some women (over 30) received the vote in 1918 as a token of gratitude( thank you) in the massive role they played on the homefront

SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS

Elsie Inglis She studied at Edinburgh school of medicine and used her medical skills to assist in the war

effort and was a NUWSS member, she also played an important role in setting up the Scottish women’s suffrage federation

The great war made her widely known/ and was the driving force that created the Scottish women’s hospitals committee which sent 1000 women doctors, nurses and drivers across Europe and the Balkans

Mairi Chisholm Was a nurse who left for the western front when she was 18 and immediately found that only 1

in 6 survived the journey to the hospital She set up a first aid post directly behind frontline and worked constantly for the next 18 months,

an worked 48 hours on duty with about 500 dead or dying in that time Chisholm and the women she worked with were in constant danger and became very famous for

their exploits and care and she was awarded the order of Leopold by the King of Belgium (equiv. of Victoria Cross)

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THE RENT STRIKES The employment of women had seen a major increase in city population and landlords were

taking advantage of women as they needed a place to live and the landlords provided poor accommodation at extreme rates(in Govan rents increased by 20%) this caused evictions and women were bullied with the threat of eviction.

Women accused the Landlords of being unpatriotic and war profiteering. They resisted eviction by blocking stairs and closes of tenements and “bombing” sheriffs with bags of flours.

The Women’s Housing Association was set up in Glasgow ( secretary was Helen Crawfurd,)and along with others such as Mary Barbour ,Agnes Dollan and Jessie Stephens they took on the greedy landlords. They were assisted by the ILP, Trade Unions and employers.

in May 1915 the Rent Strikes began -quickly 25000 tenants joined in Glasgow’s George Square and it succeeded-- the government froze rates at those of 1914 under Rent Restrictions Act levels unless improvements had been made to the property

Rent strikes also took place in Aberdeen and Dundee.

Position of Women After the War

No doubt that work of women during war was important factor in the decision to extend the vote to women, eroding the negative publicity of the Suffragettes.

However, Restoration of Pre War Practices Act meant returning soldiers were given back jobs. By 1925 over 25% of all working women were back in domestic service – a higher total

than before the war.

The impact of military losses on Scottish society

The Scale of the Losses

Official figure was 74,000 but later estimates ranged between 100,000 and 150,000. Glasgow lost 18,000 of its young men and Dundee 4,000. Few families in Scotland escaped the loss of a father, son, brother, husband, boyfriend,

neighbour or friend. On living room walls across the country were scrolls and medals sent by the government. There were disproportionate losses in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.

Commemoration and Remembrance

There was a collective national grief in Scotland Also great pride in the achievement of the Scottish units. Local memorials were erected around the country. Scots wanted their own memorial in tribute to their special sacrifice: Edinburgh castle houses

the memorial and museum. It was officially opened in 1928. Over 148,000 Scottish names are carved on the national war memorial.

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The British Legion was set up and in 1921 the British Legion Scotland. Poppy day started at the same time. The act of silence at 11am on 11 November started in 1919.

There are 37 women on war memorials in Scotland for efforts in ww1, there is a specific memorial for nurses of ww1 in S.t Giles cathedral in Edinburgh

Small towns like Forfar with a population of 10,000 saw 400 dead from ww1 listed at the impressive memorial tower in Forfar, like many memorials this was built with public money and placed on a prominent position in which the whole town or city could see it

Also memorials were built in places that would see many people walk by it every day like George square

Estimates of the number of Scots killed on the western front range from 74000 to 110000 at the national war memorial there are 148000 names from around the world

The Scots wanted their own memorial in tribute to scots bravery, Edinburgh castle houses a memorial and museum officially opened in 1928 , the roll of honour includes of Scots birth, Scottish parents and if you served in Scottish regiments

The royal Scots lost 583 officers 10,630 men, Gordon highlanders lost 9000 men and the black watch lost 10000 men

It was supposed to be a statement of not only commemoration but of Scotland’s sacrifice Creation of British legion and British legion Scotland in 1921 lead by Haig , the introduction of

poppy day at the same time and the act of a two minute silence on 11 Nov at 11 am began in 1919

Great memorials for the fallen exist all over Scotland To the rugby players at Murrayfield To the Hearts players at Haymarket Granite memorial beside Aberdeen gallery Bronze statue of a border reliever in Gallashields

Soldiers regularly wrote a battlefield will in which they would leave their most prised possessions to loved ones and friends

The way Scottish remembrance is carried out is highly influenced by the letters sent back home from killed soldiers

There is a hangover of domestic issues that need to be resolved, like families getting their dead relatives effects and estates

INDUSTRY Up to 1918 POST-WAR CHANGE

SHIPBUILDING Starting to go into decline early 20th century but the naval race and the war saved

MASSIVE BOOM DURING WAR

Massive impact on clyde, where most of Britain’s ships were built.

Wartime boom saw 100,000

LIKE OTHER HEAVY INDUSTRY- WENT INTO DECLINE AFTER WAR.

Initial economic boom due to repairs

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SECTION 3: DOMESTIC IMPACT OF WAR: INDUSTRY & ECONOMY

The effects of the war on the Scottish economy up to 1918 and post-war economic change

it temporarily. dependant on the industry 14% of working population

Between 1914 and 1918 a total of 481 warships were built on the Clyde

3 of the biggest yards winning orders over £16million

Beardmores at Dalmuir, Browns of Clydebank and Fairfields Of Govan were placed under admiralty control. Others quickly Followed with passing of munitions act in 1915

Many yards diversified and built other things needed-eg. Beardmores in Parkhead employed 20,000 workers making aircraft, airships and artillery pieces as well as ships. John Browns also produced tanks.

Dundee and Aberdeen also benefited from shipbuilding work.

Skilled workers exempt from conscription and volunteering for the forces

needed , replaced by reality in the 1920’s

Shipbuilding went into decline from 1921-23 and tonnage decreased from 510K to 170K, by 1930 yards closing

.

HEAVY INDUSTRYsteel/iron/coalALSO DID VERY WELL AS SHIPBUILDING/WAR DEPENDED ON THEM

STEEL INDUSTRY—output doubled during war/ 90% of armour plate produced came from Glasgow.24,000 men in full-time steel employment in Clyde Valley.

COAL INDUSTRY- Put under government control and miners on high wages were not allowed to be conscripted

There was a huge demand for coal as steel, weapons and Ships all depend on coal

Shipbuilding failure which bought too much into the war effort also catalysed the failure of the coal and steel industries as they were dependant on shipbuilding

Over concentration on a narrow group of heavy industries meant Scotland was affected badly when the post war boom turned into a slump.

The high demand for coal also collapses as coal from Germany from reparations is in abundant supply

Coal production fell from 42.5 million tonnes in 1913 to 30 million in 1920s

Unemployment in Scotland much higher by 1923 than it had been in 1914

By1922 over 80,000 unemployed in Glasgow alone

Other industries North British Locomotive Company at Springburn and Polmadie also benefited.

Edinburgh – boom in printing and biggest rubber manufacturer (for tyres, boots, and surgical appliances.)

After war-decline at the company where production fell by 2/3.

Other engineering companies also went into decline.

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FISHING INDUSTRY

Before the war- “glory days”of Scottish fishing industry. --- during war- declined..partially owing to threat of naval attack.

Before the war fishing industry employed over 32,500 men.

there were 10,000 Scottish herring boats who caught 25% of the U.K haul

By 1917—employing fewer than 22,000 men.

In 1914, Scottish fishing effectively closed in the north sea, as all of Scotland’s east coast ports taken over by the navy

White fish industry decimated- only herring industry remained stable- which moved from the east coast to the west coast.

The war had created problems for the Scottish fishing industry/ afterwards:

End of the glory days/slump continued Old export markets no longer

there/therefore went into further decline as a result of fall in demand.

Compensation given not enough in most cases to repair boats

Many of the Scottish fisherman and merchant sailors who lost their lives came from the Western Isles; led to a local perception that these areas suffered disproportionately.

JUTE INDUSTRYHad been facing some problems before the war—trench warfare temporarily saved it from decline -and a boom was enjoyed during the war years.

war needed tremendous amounts of jute sand bags,(to support the trenches) demand topped 6 million a month—MASSIVE BOOM/PROFITS

Great employer especially in Dundee were thousands were employed, 65% women and 25% men.

Due to large numbers of women employed – their low wages meant the profits increased massively.

‘fibres have turned to strands of gold’

Jute industry in Dundee was desperately in need of fresh investment and repair.

Dundee businessmen started to develop the Jute Industry in Calcutta which saved transport costs as this was closer to where the Jute fibre was grown.

This foreign competition forced down prices and Dundee had old machinery which could not compete with new foreign competition.

AGRICULTURE/FARMING/RATIONING ( also ties into domestic impact of war)

More men volunteered from this industry than any other /number of farm workers dropped by 18,000 over course of WW1.

Food became increasingly scarce and more expensive as the war progressed

Imports of goods like oats, barley, eggs and butter all fell.

To tackle this state promoted self-sufficiency and tried to make more farmland arable,- encouraged digging up public parks, golf courses etc for allotments. this attempt to grow more failed

Farmers struggled to obtain things like feed and

After war agricultural industry went into decline

Agriculture continued to struggle from a lack of good arable land – only 5 out of 19 million acres were under crops.

1920 Agricultural Act had been introduced to maintain prices and production but in 1921 act abandoned because of poor state of economy.- this caused hardship for many farmers who had lost jobs or had wages cut

Increased unemployment and reduced wages in industry led to a drop in prices for agricultural produce.

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fertiliser( which was being used to produce munitions)

Overall FARMERS DID VERY WELL FROM THE WAR-Rapid rise in prices at the start of the war led to increased prosperity for farmers.

As prices rose so did discontent and demonstrations that would hinder the war effort

State bought all of the wool Scotland produced to make uniforms

Wages for farm workers doubled during the war (shepherds and ploughmans)

Rationing- April 1918 Sugar, meat, butter, bacon and

ham all rationed Tea, milk, oatmeal, rice, bread

and cheese- used with care Eggs, potatoes, fruit and veg-

used freely Food shortages led to ‘meatless’

days by 1918 (Wed and Fri in Scot)

In the Highlands and Islands many soldiers returned believing that they had been promised ownership of land as a reward for fighting.- this did not materialise.

In some cases rationing even lasted until 1920 for example sugar and butter

Reasons why so many Scots emigrated after 1918

Inter war years Scotland had the highest rate of emigration in Europe which in turn made the 1920’s the first decade to show a net decrease in population

Scots accounted for 58% of UK emigration in the 1920’s Between 1921-1931 Scotland lost 8% of its total population. Lost a number of skilled workers to the USA and Canada, USA and former colonies were

enthusiastic about immigration from Britain (link to crisis of Scottish identity as many argued that Scotland was being emptied of its “wealth, skills and spirit”

The lack of work(decline in heavy industry, high unemployment, decline in agricultural and fishing industries) saw Scots look abroad for better opportunities

The highland population fell by 16,000,-- this was due to emigration, loss of life and decline in agriculture.

There was disillusionment over the lack of land that had been promised to returning soldiers when they had been recruited from the Highlands and Islands..... The Land Settlement Act of 1919 was supposed to address the Land Issue but within 5 months the funds were used up and future plans were suspended..... this led to Land Raids in places like Uist, Lewis and Mull..

Many workers throughout Scotland( particularly in the west where the slump in heavy industry led to high unemployment)left for higher wages and some left due to existing family in other countries and community ties

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Shorter travelling times appealed to workers who could not afford to lose earnings on a long voyage.

Emigration agents came over and had offices in various cities including Glasgow and Inverness, encouraging emigration to the “White dominions”—often giving presentations up north in Gaelic.

The government were happy to see the relief of the pressure on services and provided assistance for emigrants especially to Canada in one day in August 1923, 600 left the Hebrides

Empire Settlement Act- 1922 – passed to increase emigration from Britain to Canada and other countries in Empire. Over 4000 people received state subsidies assisting their travel to a variety of destinations.

There were 7000 orphans sent abroad by charities from 1880 to 1930 (Quarriers , Bernardos etc)

However a third of emigrants from Scotland returned having failed to be successful

SECTION 4: DOMESTIC IMPACT OF WAR: POLITICS

Liberals War split the Liberals Divided opinions about the war in general: Some Lib MPs were anti war and resigned/Non

intervention or intervention in economy/ people’s everyday lives (DORA)/ Conscription/ Intervention went against old Liberal ideals of laissez-faire and self help. Also seemed against Liberal ideals of personal freedom and civil liberties/

Shell Crisis 1915- The ‘shell scandal’- Field Marshall John French blamed the government for a lack of shells; Lloyd George capitalised on the criticism of Asquith

The ‘Coupon’ Election – 14/12/1918 Lib MPs who had supported the 1916 coalition government of DLG were issued with a letter of support(coupon) signed by both Lloyd George and Andrew Bonar Law, Tory leader. Herbert Asquith, leader of the Liberals called the letter a “coupon”.Where a ‘Coupon’ Liberal stood for election, no Conservative challenged him and Vice Versa . Those Liberals not issued with the coupon lost their seats. Asquith lost his seat for East Fife. Many see the 1918 election as the start of the end for the Liberal Party.

Party funds collapsed as members stopped paying subscriptions. (Hayes estimated that 25% of subscription money lost in wartime.)

These arguments weakened its organisation. Party workers demoralised. Asquith or Lloyd George and no longer a force in Scottish politics by 1924 only 8 liberal MP’S

and Asquith lost his seat

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Lots of their working class voters turned instead to the Labour Party(more radical). Their middle class voters turned to the Conservatives ( Unionists- notes in sub topic 2).

The growth of radicalism in politics in ScotlandThe Independent Labour party

By mid-1920’s labour party replaces liberals as one of the two biggest parties in Scotland

RoPA 1918 – all men over 21 and many women over 30 now voters. Electorate increased form 779,000 in 1910 to 2,205,000in 1918. Most new male voters working- class

Got support from working class men who had been politicised in shipyards and munitions factories.

Very involved across Scotland in anti-recruitment, anti-conscription—In Glasgow the ILP was highly involved in the Clyde Workers Committee and the fight against dilution. Substantial increase in trade union membership, especially amongst semi-skilled men.

Employers seen as profiteering from war. Support from Irish Catholics/Easter Rising in Dublin, 1916 IRA rebellion failed. Executions of the

IRA leaders by the Liberal British government seen as excessive.

Support from women politicised from Clyde rent strikes/ effective local councillors – Agnes Dollan, Helen Crawfurd Substantial increase in trade union membership amongst women. National Federation of

Women Workers increased its membership from 10,000 to 50,000 Independent Labour Party in Scotland (ILP) /1900 combined with a range of other left wing

groups to form the LRC, then the Labour Party. Popularity of ILP campaigns grew as war progressed. (Anti war – some; Anti conscription; resistance to Munitions Act 1915; opposed dilution; campaigned on local issues – eg. Rent strikes, Housing reform, improving working conditions...)

EVIDENCE OF GROWTH OF RADICALISM/ INCREASING SUPPORT OF ILP 1918 win 1 Glasgow seat but in 1922 they win 10 of 15 Glasgow seats and they stood as Labour

party Membership of ILP trebled during the war. ILP more radical than PLP but less revolutionary than the CPGB Scotland was a major influence in the ILP in the 1920’s and a third of their members came from

Scotland, 300 branches in Scotland, 100 in total in Britain

CPGB (Communist Party Great Britain) After Russian revolution in 1917 the appeal of communism goes up massively and CPGB is

founded in 1920 They believe in unionism and want Britain to stay together Success in Scotland- Glasgow started to get called ‘red Clydeside’ Big influence on the unions mining, railway and transport, more than a quarter of CPGB

members are in Scotland, increase in membership in 1920’s 4000-> 10000.- more than a ¼ of members from Scotland.

Clyde Workers Committee (CWC) Set up to improve rights of workers and oppose the introduction of unskilled Labour. Formed by

various radical figures/groups—Trade union leaders, Willie Gallacher,David Kirkwood, John Maclean etc..

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Industrial unrest in Glasgow continued after the war with the 40 hour strike and the George Square riots in 1919—the govt sent in troops and tanks to disperse the strike which they believed was a forerunner of Bolshevik uprising.. ..total over reaction.

The ILPs co-operation with communists, its pacifism and its theoretical approach to politics were regarded as electoral liabilities by the Parliamentary Labour Party. Labour Party didn’t want to be associated with extremism and was trying to appear compromising and respectable so as not to further alienate middle class voters.

ILP eventually split from Parliamentary Labour Party in 1932.

Other important radical figures in Scottish politics:

John Maclean Maclean was a revolutionary communist who was in different Marxist groups and ran Marxist

education classes in Glasgow, he was against the war seen it as a capitalist war Was arrested during the war in 1915 under D.O.R.A and he was sacked as a teacher and sent

to jail in 1916 In 1918 he was arrested for sedition and sentenced to 5 years. After the Russian revolution he became the soviet consul to Scotland and was recognized as a

revolutionary by soviet Russia and a stamp was made with his face on it in Russia

Willie Gallacher- Initially a follower of Maclean and became president of CWC (Clyde Workers Committee) and

was a founding member of the CPGB( Communist Party Great Britian/Sent to jail in 1916, 1919, 1925 and he was communist MP for west fife from 1935 to 1950

David Kirkwood and Mannie Shinwell were leaders of the CWC during 40 hours strike and ILP MPs. .

John Wheatley—James Maxton

The strength of support in Scotland of the Union.

Pre War There was some support for home rule with the liberal party in favour and the emergence of a

Scottish home rule association in the 1880’s no real nationalist group in Scotland before ww1, conservatives and unionist party mainly

against home rule

Politics of WW1 Liberals the only party firmly committed to home rule---Scottish party had a massive decline in

Scotland Labour emerged as their replacement and support home rule but is a low priority on their

agenda Conservatives part grew and took 30% of the vote and were no longer just a rural party CPGB set up as a British party and were pro unionism Newspapers are unionist- Glasgow Herald, Scotsman

After the war- No progress Liberal party split and in decline Labour had other priorities- social and economic also Scottish labour MP’S form a Westminster

government

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Happy to be British Some suggest that many were happy with the union The economic problems of the 1920’s made them want security which the union would give

them Experience of war gave them an increased sense of belonging and pride in being British There were social benefits of being part of Britain, pensions, national insurance and council

housing Growth of Conservatives/Unionists

Newspapers/ Press After war press moved towards Tories/Unionists from the pre-war position of rough equality

between Libs and Unionists. By the mid 1920s, Liberal papers had gone in 3 of the 4 main Scottish cities as exemplified

by the Daily Record in Glasgow. More radical papers such as Labour’s Daily Herald in Scotland and the ILP weekly Froward. Towns that retained a Liberal paper such as Greenock and Paisley survived as Libeal

stronghold.

Increase in Support for Conservatives/Tories ( ie Unionism)

Tories worked hard to build up support in Scotland; particularly among the middle classes and in rural areas.Seen as the party of Law and Order after the George Square Riots—most able to deal with threat of revolution.Support for Unionism/Tories encouraged by Presbyterian churches who attacked the “Irish menace”bulk of Irish Catholics were Labour voters—meant more supported Conservatives/UnionismScottish Legal System also had strong links with the ConservativesMany graduates went into teaching.. political leanings were seen in formation of Glasgow Unionist Teacher Association in 1926.

ALSO LINK- GROWTH OF TORIES/UNIONISM WITH DECLINE OF LIBERAL--- CONSERVATIVES BENEFIT FROM THE MIDDLE CLASSES / WHO USED TO VOTE LIBERAL ----AFRAID OF SOCIALISM/RADICALISM/SEEN TO REPRESENT TRADITIONAL, VALUES OF LAW AND ORDER

Some small signs of nationalism

******** CAN BE SIGNS OF BOTH NATIONALISM AND SCOTTISH IDENTITY ********** (sub topic 3 also)

These are few and have very limited support John Maclean sets up his Scottish Workers Republican Party in Glasgow in the early 1920’s to

argue for a Scottish Socialist republic Scottish national league set up in 1920, joins with SHRA and others in 1928 to form national

party of Scotland SNP set up in 1934, performs poorly – daily express poll suggest big support for home rule

The crisis in Scottish identity that developed after 1918

SCOTTISH IDENTITY

Growth of radical politics in Scotland especially on the Clyde has been seen as an expression of a distinct socialist/Scottish identity

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The kilted regiments used during WW1 added to a sense of separate Scottish identity Many scots felt a cultural sense of Scottish identity, a sense of common history through the

stories of heroes like Wallace and Bruce - big interest in Wallace 1905 anniversary of his death Many scots also felt a sense of belonging to Britain, a shared history that had been reinforced by

a common experience, suffering, loss and victory in WW1

For some there developed a crisis of Scottish identity—this however was never the common feelings of the masses: There was a Renaissance in Scottish culture from 1920, some artists, authors and poets

became more influenced by a deeper look at Scotland. It was a reaction to ‘kailyard’ which argued that Scots had an over sentimental view of their history.

This was led by Hugh MacDiarmid who wrote ‘A drunk man looks at the thistle’ and tried to regenerate Lallans- a lowland scots language. Lewis Grassic Gibbons was seen as part of this, his themes of change in Scotland

This renaissance was small in number but influenced and involved an exploration of Scottishness

However, predominately the 20’s was a period where British culture or experiences tended to dominate

A lot of Scots sneered at the new exploration of Scottish culture This cultural experiment with Scottish culture provoked deeper interest in some political parties

It should be remembered that the distinctively Scottish way in which the First World War was remembered did not translate into a growing sense of Scottish nationalism for the majority. Most Scots fought for king, country and the United Kingdom. However, WW1 undoubtedly did change the way Scots viewed themselves: the impact of the war on industry and the impact of military losses on society had a huge impact in the long term.

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