Scots on the Western Front

Denny High History Department

Why did Britain get involved in a European war?

• Years of tension leading to 1914.

• Assassination of the Arch Duke.

Why did Britain get involved in a European war?

• Schlieffen Plan – invasion of Belgium.

• 1839 Treaty brought Britain in on the 4th August 1914.

What was the Structure of the Army in 1914?

• In 1914, Britain did not have a large army.

• There were 3 elements:

I. The British Army.

II. The Territorial Army.

III. The British Expeditionary Force.

The British Army

• Voluntary.

• Regulars, working class men.

• Officers, wealthy and educated middle/upper class.

• Volunteers would join the local regiment.

The Territorial Army

• Part time soldiers who signed on for 4 years.

• Men were given uniforms, military training.

• 1913 – 245,000 men in the TA.

The British Expeditionary Force

• Forces from the British Army sent to fight in Belgium & France.

• 90,000 casualties by the end of 1914.

TASKS (A)

1. Write the heading in your jotter – The British Army in 1914, remember to also date your work.

2. Why did Britain go to war with Germany on 4th August 1914?

3. Why was Britain not ready to fight a war?4. Briefly describe the makeup of British Army in

1914.5. Why did the British Army have to recruit more

men at the start of the war?

Watch the following video clip.

Take notes under the heading:

The Response to WW1 Recruitment –

Video Clip. Watch clip to 1 min

51 secs.http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/video/n/video_tcm4567276.asp?strReferringChannel=

higherscottishhistory&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-567884-64

Watch the following video

clip.Take notes under

the heading Recruitment –

Video Clip. Watch clip to 3 mins 44 secs.

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/video/n/video_tcm4573281.asp?strReferringChannel=

higherscottishhistory&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-567884-64