Arming the Western Front: War, Business and the State in Britain 1900–1920 (Routledge Studies in First World War History)

Book Details

• Author: Roger Lloyd-Jones

• Publisher: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 432

• Release Date: 13-10-2017

• ISBN: 9780815366836

• Languages: English

About The Book

Arming the Western Front by Roger Lloyd-Jones offers a unique perspective on the First World War, emphasizing the industrial efforts behind the conflict. Often remembered for its brutal battles and trench warfare, the war was equally a product of industrial mobilization. This book examines how the British, between 1900 and 1920, orchestrated economic and human resources to meet the demands of "industrial war."

The book begins by exploring Edwardian business-state relations in armament supply, then delves into the early years of the war. It critically assesses competing narratives of the war and their influence on decisions made by both the public and private sectors. The heart of the book focuses on the complex relationship between business firms, innovation, and production as they responded to the insatiable demand for munitions. The famous call for "more shells" during the Battle of the Somme becomes a central theme, highlighting the tension between the quantity and quality of wartime supplies.

As the war raged on, the economic and political rift between the military, the Ministry of Munitions, and private contractors grew, with immense pressure to increase output. The book concludes by examining the tensions between the "dual army" — one in the field and one producing munitions at home — and the challenges of transitioning to a peacetime economy after the war. This comprehensive study provides invaluable insight into the industrial backbone of the Great War and its far-reaching consequences.