The Enlistment of British Men in the Army in 1914

The Enlistment of British Men in the Army in 1914

British men enlisted in the army in 1914 for a number of reasons.

These reasons varied from Patriotism to enlisting in order to prevent

intimidation from groups such as the white feather group.

Many men actually believed it was their duty as citizens of this

country to go and fight. A lot of them wanted to destroy the Germans

as British propaganda had painted ruthless pictures of them in their

minds.

However, not all men fought out of principle and so called

responsibility. The low pay of the army encouraged unemployed to sign

up. Many felt they had no other option.

Most people in Britain believed the war would be over by Christmas and

after joining the army, thought they would be able to rejoin their

families in time for the festive cheer. So, a large number of men

decided to join the army for a bit of an adventure for a few months,

wearing the country's colours.

Regiments became very popular at the time of war. Numerous men, who

did not want go into a totally new environment alone, had the chance

to join a regiment. This was simply a group of people who you knew

which made people more comfortable.

Countless men found it hard to resist "Peer Pressure". A lot of men

simply did not have the courage to resist pressure from their friends

and family and just went along with them to prevent seeming

spinelessness.

Women, although not directly involved in the war still played a major

part. No man wanted to look a coward in front of a woman. Women gave

men not in uniform white feathers, but lots of men enlisted themselves

before it got to that point. Men not in uniform often found it very

hard to get served in pubs.

The British government were extremely good at using propaganda,

usually in the form of posters. Propaganda was a way to persuade men