The impact of World War I on the people of Britain was significant. It caused both divisions and moments of unity among different groups in society.

Division Among the Public

1. Political Discontent:

   • The war made political disagreements worse. This was especially true for those who wanted peace (called pacifists) and those who wanted to fight (called interventionists).
   • A group called the No Conscription Fellowship formed to show strong feelings against the war, gaining about 15,000 members by 1916.

2. Class Divides:

   • Many working-class people joined the army, but the wealthy upper class often seemed disconnected from the hardships of the war. This created tensions between social classes.
   • The Representation of the People Act 1918 was created in response to the demand for equal rights, allowing around 8.4 million women to vote.

3. Societal Strain:

   • The war effort caused many shortages, which led to strikes in 1917. One notable strike, called the Dover Strikes, involved over 15,000 workers asking for better working conditions.

Unity Among the Public

1. Patriotic Sentiment:

   • At first, there was strong support for the war, with more than 2.5 million men signing up to serve by 1916.
   • Local events, like fundraising drives, brought people together and raised £400 million to help both the military and civilians.

2. Women’s Contribution:

   • Women took on jobs that were usually held by men. About 1.5 million women worked in factories making weapons, changing how society viewed gender roles.

3. Post-War Consensus:

   • The shared experiences of the war helped create a sense of community and common sacrifice. This led to a general agreement on improving social policies after the war, resulting in welfare reforms by the Lloyd George government.

In conclusion, World War I caused significant political and social divides among the British public. However, it also brought people together through shared experiences and responsibilities.