What did men do on the home front in World War One? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

What jobs did men do at home?

• A century ago, working men faced grueling conditions with long hours and meager wages. Many were employed in industries like mining, shipbuilding, and textiles, while others worked as farmers, shepherds, or fishermen. 
• Men with higher education and wealthier backgrounds often pursued careers as doctors or bankers. 
• Upper-class men, typically inheriting wealth and land, sometimes held roles as government ministers.

Working in defence

During World War One, numerous jobs focused on maintaining order in Britain. Police officers enforced wartime regulations, including ensuring homes were properly blacked out during air raids. Failure to comply resulted in fines.

Working in industry

The war boosted production of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, leading to growth in industries like shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, and munitions. Coal mining was critical for powering trains, generating electricity, and heating homes. However, it was a hazardous job, with miners often feeling their safety was neglected. Pit ponies, small horses, were used to transport coal carts underground.

Farming, fishing, and shopkeeping

Men in rural areas, coastal regions, and shops worked to ensure a steady food supply for Britain’s civilians and military. Farmers, often aided by family, managed farms, but a shortage of laborers during the war made tasks like plowing, harvesting, and animal care challenging.

What other jobs were needed at home?

• Many roles, known as ‘reserved occupations,’ were essential to the war effort, keeping men in Britain. 
• Vicars and priests remained to support their communities, though some served as chaplains in the war. 
• Doctors stayed to care for the sick and injured at home, playing a vital role in maintaining the nation’s health.