The Defence of the Realm Act

27th November 1914

DORA• Aim was the safety and

security of the country• Defined powers of the

governmentAims:1 - prevent communication

with enemy2 -Secure safety of ships,

communications, ports, railways, forces etc

3 -prevent rumours and false information spreading

Outbreak of War

• Government worried about protecting railways, harbours, communications etc from spies and sabotage,

• Public to be vigilant for anyone suspicious

• Government wanted to limit what people knew about the war and what was happening

• Aug. 1914 War Press Office established

• Limited reports of fighting and losses

• No reports allowed near front and letters home were censored

• Newspapers were also restricted as were early newsreels.

• Argument was that news of losses could help the enemy.

• There was often a difference between reports and reality.

Example of US censored postcard- Britain had similar restrictions

Munitions• 1915 munitions

shortage because:

1 -companies too small

2 -lack of materials such as metal and rubber

• So govt controlled supply of materials and set up own factories

• 1917 govt took control of coal industry

Pubs• Opening times

shortened from 13 hours (excluding Sunday) before WW1 to 5½ in 1916

• Closed at 9pm & no Sunday opening

• Close restrictions near munitions factories

• Said to have weakened beer and stopped the buying of rounds

Highlands• The aim was to give

people the chance to grow food on land that wasn’t used for war production.

• Govt. worried that food was in short supply

• There had been land disputes in the highlands

• DORA gave crofters the chance to farm on land and then after the war it would return to the owner

• Some refused to give the land back!

• This will be covered in the next part of the course.

Opposition to DORA

• Some people argued that DORA was petty e.g. needed a permit to keep homing pigeons

• It was also said that it interfered with Britain's liberal traditions (civil liberties).

• Some felt there was too much interference in their lives and that genuine debate was being stifled e.g. anti-war debate

• Govt could stop publication of criticism and imprison without trial

• The military was given the right to put civilians through a court martial.

• Anti war messages were suppressed- they were usually from left wing socialist groups

• Govt. could always hide behind the defence that their actions were for the war effort

• People who spoke out were classes as unpatriotic

• During Red Clydeside left wing newspapers were closed.

• ILP and Socialists were main critics of DORA

• John Maclean was arrested for speaking out against the govt. and spent time in prison

• Conscription increased criticism of DORA as it was seen as more state control - Richard Lambert MP spoke out against it.

• Conscripted workers under military authority and discipline.

• They had no right to strike

• Maclean argued against conscription (page 75)

• Generally public supported the government