ABSTRACT

This volume gives students and researchers an insight into British central government in 1914, how and why it altered during the war years and what permanent changes remained when the war was over. The war saw the scope of governmental intervention widened in an unprecedented manner. The contributors to this book analyse the reasons for this expansion and describe how the changes affected the government machine and the lives of the citizens. They consider why some innovations did not survive the coming of peace while others permanently transformed the duties and procedures of government.

chapter 1|25 pages

The Rise and Fall of ‘Business as Usual'

chapter 2|25 pages

The Ministry of Munitions

An Innovatory Department

chapter 3|27 pages

Cabinets, Committees and Secretariats

The Higher Direction of War

chapter 4|24 pages

The Treasury

From Impotence to Power

chapter 5|27 pages

The Ministry of Labour, 1916-19

A Still, Small Voice?

chapter 7|25 pages

Winding Down the War Economy

British Plans for Peacetime Recovery, 1916-19