This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will examine a number of aspects concerning the British army during the Great War. The (in)effectiveness of British generalship will be examined, allowing students to explore the rich historiography of this topic which dates back to the so-called, 'battle of the memoirs' in the 1920s. Consideration will then be given to the structure and expansion of the 'four armies' (regular, territorial, Kitchener and conscript) examining how effectively the British army coped with this massive expansion and trained the newly formed units. Allied to this, there will be a consideration of manpower policy during the Great War, in particular there will be some discussion given to the propaganda elements involved in the voluntary recruiting campaigns of 1914-16 and the British experience of conscription in 1916-18. Attention will also be given to the discipline and morale of the British army, which was the only European army of the Great War not to suffer from major problems in this area. Students will be invited to explore the full aspects of discipline and morale and will consider why the wartime executions of 312 soldiers have come to dominate the historiography. In terms of the British army in action, this module will contain case-studies of the well known Gallipoli campaign and the Battles of the Somme along with the lesser known so-called 100 days battles at the end of the war to consider the important issue of whether the British army did indeed participate in what some historians have termed a ‘learning curve’ during the Great War. Other topics, such as the the experience of women in the British army, the British army on the home front, logistics and officer selection will also be discussed in detail.
Total contact hours: 22
Total private study hours: 278
Total module study hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay 6000 words 85%
Presentation 15 minutes 15%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Systematically understand the changes and developments in the British Army during the great war.
2 Systematically understand the effectiveness of British generalship in the Great War.
3 Systematically understand the impact of the Great War on the British Army.
4 Systematically understand the implications of British manpower policies and use of propaganda during the Great War.
5 Systematically understand the complexities of morale and discipline in the British Army during the Great War.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Marshal information effectively and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.
2 Challenge received conclusions and to cultivate a broader epistemological awareness;
3 Effectively manage their own learning and demonstrate self-direction in tackling tasks and problems.
4 Think critically, to access a range of sources and marshal effective arguments, and to organise and communicate complex information, and interpretations of information, lucidly.
5 Frame their knowledge in terms of epistemological awareness and the recognition of and distinction between the different sources of historical knowledge
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
