History: The Impact of the First World War on British Society by Prof Joanna Bourke, Birkbeck College, University of London

A discussion with Joanna Bourke Professor of History at Birkbeck College, University of London and prize-winning author of books about war and violence.

The night before joining the army, Wilfred Willett held his weeping wife in bed and wondered whether he would ever see her again, or, if he did, “would I be limbless or faceless next time? I would meet her in heaven but in what state?” The First World War threatened major devastation upon the male body and overturned women’s lives. Children woke to find that their fathers had left for distant battlefields while they slept. 300,000 never saw their fathers again. 160,000 wives received the dreaded telegram informing them that their husbands had been killed. The personal legacy of war cannot be over-estimated, but what about its long-term impact? What was the effect of the war on British society – politically, socially and economically. Some historians even argue that the war was beneficial to the well-being of survivors. Let’s talk about the impact of the 1914-18 war on British society.

Joanna Bourke’s Biography

Suitable for: Year 12/Year 13

Preparation/Pre-reading: There is no preparation/pre-reading required but students may like to consider questions in advance relating to studying this subject at university. These questions may cover, for example, the application process, course structure, and university lifestyle.