It has been stated by many historians that the food shortage that were visible during World War 1 had positive effects on civilian health.
The reduction in the amount of alcohol and sugar consumed in the diet would most definitely have beneficial effects on a nations wellbeing.
Maybe, theoretically speaking, the stabilising of the working class diet would have an advantageous effect on nutritional levels, thus ultimately mortality rates.
Winter discovered that by 1921, the life expectancy for men in England had rose from 49 to 56 years of age, and women from 53 to 60 years of age compared to 1911 levels.
This compelling data proves that a significant factor in the life styles of the British civilian must have altered or evolved throughout the war years.
As I look to explore for specific changes and trends within the data compiled, it becomes apparent that fluctuations in mortality rates will provide us with firm statistical evidence to support any thesis.
Winter provides demographic evidence that examines female mortality rates. He argues that this data would provide us with a more accurate guide to the impact of war upon the civilian population, as very few women were killed whilst in the armed forces.
Winter comments on the results of his data by stating, “ For almost every category of cause of death, significant declines were registered in theses years.” (4)
I personally have to disagree with this statement. Winter’s data does show that mortality rates fell in certain categories and specific age groups. But if we are to evaluate the full extent of his findings, it becomes apparent that there was also an increase in death rates in certain age groups, namely women between 10-29 years of age and 75-79 years.
Paired with this, female mortality rates form tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis were, “ Higher in every war year than in the years immediately preceding 1914.” (5)
This information makes it quite evident that for the women in specific age groups and illnesses mentioned above, their well being on average deteriorated throughout the ‘Great War’.
The most significant decline in female mortality rate occurred in the categories of diarrhoeal diseases, degenerative diseases, and complications in pregnancy.
If we look in further detail at the reasons behind the decline in death rates for the diseases stated above, we will come to the conclusion that the implications of the war did make for and improvement in living standards for a section of society.
The death rates from cirrhosis of the liver declined significantly due to the restrictions placed on alcohol, and the reduction in pub opening hours as enforced via the Defence of the realm act. Secondly the number of diabetes related deaths was reduced as a result of the sugar shortage. Lastly, the vast reduction of mortalities through complications in pregnancy can be labelled at 1 of 2 reasons.
Winter states that it maybe due to higher nutritional levels and improvements in medical techniques. The sceptics out there may say that it was primarily due to the decline in birth rates as up to 6 million men were in active service.
In balance, the actual answer probably lies somewhere in between both viewpoints. It is viable that a reduction in childbirths will aid such figures; also for those women who did fall pregnant, improved nutritional levels will play a factor in a trouble free pregnancy.
As I continue to investigate mortality rates as a method to distinguish the development of the wellbeing of British civilians. George Newan comments that, “Infant mortality rate is the most sensitive and subtle index of all measures of social welfare.” (6)
This comment indicates that fluctuations in the frequency of infant deaths will echo the physical state of society.
If we are to look closely at the data, it becomes apparent that infant mortality rates decline significantly during the war years.
Specific figures show that the mortality rates of infants between 2-3 months fell by 19% between 1913 and 1918.
Winter is of the opinion that this evidence, “ Presents the most clear-cut indication of the surprisingly favourable effects of war conditions on the survival chances of the civilian population of the country.” (7)
Numerous historians have attempted to discredit this theory. Thomas McKeown has argued that, “ The improved quality of the milk supply was the main reason for the reduction of deaths.” (8)
As there is no quantifiable evidence to support McKeown’s claim, I believe it should be overlooked as a major impetus behind decreasing infant mortality.
I fully support Winter’s theory on this matter. A thriving war economy and rising real incomes will allow the working class especially to spend a higher proportion of their income on better dietary requirements.
If I am to provide an in depth analysis of the impact the 1st World War had on civilian well being, it is of vital importance that I comment on the deteriorating state of housing throughout the period.
In the poorer communities before the ‘Great War’ housing conditions were appalling. On occasion numerous families would have to share the same premises just to be able to cover the rent.
The cramped, damp squalors made for optimum conditions for disease to spread. Many observers have indicated that the poor housing conditions played a leading role in the rise in tuberculosis related deaths.
This paired with the rapid rate of migration to urban centres, to primarily seek work in munitions factories, increased overcrowding to such a degree that the government had to initiate a building scheme to house the vast number of workers.
A positive step to occur from the ‘Great War’ in terms of work place equality was the establishment of industrial canteens and the extension of health insurance.
Ideologies toward the worker started to evolve just prior to the outbreak of war. The impetus behind this was the increasing development of the Welfare State, and also the introduction of scientific management techniques.
Scientific management techniques began to spread throughout the economy during the war years. This led to employers analysing just how to gain the largest output level for any given input level. It was widely accepted that a happy worker is more productive, thus implementing different schemes to keep the worker force content was mutually beneficial. It was seen as an investment in human capital.
The psychological impact that the 1st World War had on British civilians should not be underestimated.
As the war progressed many people began to live each day as if it was their last. The feeling of anxiety that must have swept throughout society must have been immense.
Gerard J. Degroot states, “ A woman who has lost a husband or a son would have derived little consolation from the fact the war had improved her diet.” (9)
This emotive comment when put into perspective, makes people of later generations realise just how difficult it must have been to get through the monotonous tedium’s of everyday life.
The majority of British civilians would have had a loved one participating in active service. With a loved one to be risking his life in a far away place, whilst you were confined to the lonely sanctuary of the home pondering his safety, for some will have caused psychological torment.
In conclusion, the history and experiences of the civilian population during the war has been the focus of many different interpretations. The orthodox view was that the war was directly responsible for the deteriorating health and high mortality rates of the nation. It was not until Winter produced his revolutionary theory, which stated, the consequential implications of the war actually contributed to an increase in livings standards, with the working class gaining the most.
It was this theory that brought about many diverse ideas with regard to the full connotations, and implications of wartime Britain.
I personally believe that although Winter makes several astute comments, and they are supported by statistical data. He tends to exaggerate the beneficial effect that World War 1 had on civilian wellbeing.
Harris is of the opinion that, “ The most important feature of Winter’s argument concerned his analysis of infant mortality.” (10)
I have to agree with this statement. There is significant data to support that the reduction in infant mortality rates was indeed a by-product of the increased levels of the nations health.
The fundamental flaw of Winter ‘s theory is that he is totally reliant on national statistics to support his theory.
National statistics on the whole do not represent the experiences of the full social spectrum. The underclass, which would be worst hit by rising food shortages, is often left out of such data.
This leads me to believe that regional studies would be of great benefit when looking at the impact the ‘Great war’ had on different classes throughout the demographic model.
If such data were available it would give historians the opportunity to finally reach a conclusion, on whether Winter’s theory of ‘The Parodox of the Great War’ is indeed viable.
Until such a time Winter’s ideology will undoubtedly stimulate further discussion among social historians.
Referencing:
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J. Winter, The Great War and the British People (1985), p. 106.
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J. Harris, ‘Bureaucrats and Businessmen in British food control,’ War and the State: The Transformation of British Government (1982), p. 344
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B. Harris, ‘The Demographic impact of the First World War: An Anthropomorphic perspective’, Journal of the Society for the Social History of Medicine (1993), p. 350.
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P. Dewey, ‘Food Production and Policy in the United Kingdom, 1914-18’, Transactions of the Royal Historical Society (1980), p. 73.
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J. Winter, The Great War and the British People (1985), p. 117.
- G, de Groot, Blighty: British Society in the Era of the Great War (1996), p. 211.
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J. Winter, The Great War and the British People (1985), p. 142.
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J. Winter, The Great War and the British People (1985), p. 142.
- L, Bryder, ‘First World War: Healthy or Hungry?’, History Workshop Journal, 24 (1987), p. 150.
(10) G, de Groot, Blighty: British Society in the Era of the Great War (1996), p.
215.
Bibliography:
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J. Winter, The Great War and the British People (1985).
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J. Harris, ‘Bureaucrats and Businessmen in British food control,’ War and the State: The Transformation of British Government (1982).
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B. Harris, ‘The Demographic impact of the First World War: An Anthropomorphic perspective’, Journal of the Society for the Social History of Medicine (1993).
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P. Dewey, ‘Food Production and Policy in the United Kingdom, 1914-18’, Transactions of the Royal Historical Society (1980).
- G, de Groot, Blighty: British Society in the Era of the Great War (1996).
- L, Bryder, ‘First World War: Healthy or Hungry?’, History Workshop Journal, 24 (1987).
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