The Defence of The Realm Act (DORA)

Lesson starter:

Give three reasons why men were willing to join the army when war broke out in 1914.

Today we will…

• Understand what the purpose of the Defence of the Realm Act was

• Identify some of the key parts of the Act

The Home Front

This refers to anything happening back in Britain during the time of

the war.

Background…• When war broke

out, the government felt it was important that everyone got behind the war effort

• They felt daily life would have to change in order to keep Britain safe

Must make sure there’s no funny business going on in Blighty

Herbert Asquith

The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) was passed on 8th August 1914 (4

days after war was declared.)

It meant the UK government had much more power over the people and

could control their behaviour to help win the war.

DORA

As we look at each part of the Act, try and think

about WHY the government wanted to

control that specific thing.

Taking photos of anything to do with Army/ Navy was

banned

Homing pigeons were not allowed

Flags, kites and anything else that could be seen from the air

were banned

People were not allowed to feed ducks or birds

It was illegal to spread false rumours

Pub opening hours were cut

Beer was watered down

British Summer Time (BST) was introduced

All letters from soldiers in the war had to be checked before

they were sent home

CENSORSHIP

• All newspapers had to be checked before publishing

• Negative articles were erased

CENSORSHIP

Other parts of DORA• Prices were controlled• Trade unions were

restricted• Foreign nationals (aliens)

were arrested or deported

• Curfews were introduced• All factories became

property of the government

• Any land could be turned into crop growing land

Today we will…

• Understand what the purpose of the Defence of the Realm Act was

• Identify some of the key parts of the Act