The impact of leadership during World War I

Leaders during the First World War such as H.H Asquith and Douglas Haig seemed to divide opinions on their effectiveness and decisions. H.H Asquith showed strength during peacetime, however weaknesses were exposed during the war, it was thought that he did not have the character or charisma to lead and boost morale of Britain when suffering with the loss of lives.

On the other hand, Douglas Haig showed during the war that he did have character although the decisions he made on the battlefield caused the highest amount of deaths to British troops in one day at the Battle of the Somme (60,000). This demoralised troops and people supporting back home. Haig could be seen to have character as he informed Britain that there would be a huge amount of casualties and that the War would be a ‘War of Attrition’ and some historians believe that the actions taken by Haig were necessary for Britain to win the Battle and eventually the War (the Somme reduced the German troops by 650,000). However, the people believed that his decisions caused an excess loss of lives and therefore H.H Asquith was replaced by Lloyd George in 1916 and Haig was heavily criticised however kept his position.  

A popular leader during the First World War was Lord Kitchener. His printed a poster to convince the young to join Armed Forced with his poster “Your country needs you!” this was effective until the need for conscription. His input in expanding munitions and raising the Army during 1914-15 provided an adequate amount of troops for war, but also boosted morale at home (as it was before the Battle of the Somme).

In conclusion, the impact of leadership had a huge impact on the First World War. Leaders had to make decisions that would affect the troops but also Britain and the Morale of the people but were deemed necessary to help the Britain win the war.

Bibliography: 

Britainica 1992, book 2 quick reference pg 135 Battle of the Somme