Despite the undoubted tragedy of World War One, there were some beneficial effects.

Despite the awful carnage of the first world war, it had unexpected effects which showed the higher nature of man.

Acceptance of Women

Before the war, the suffragette movement had largely failed to convince society women could play an active role in society, beyond merely being a housewife. The war, gave an opportunity for women to take on previously men only jobs. This led to women receiving the vote in 1919, and helped change social attitudes for ever.

Greater Respect for Workers

In the First World War, the industrial battle was as important as the actual fighting. Countries gave greater importance to the welfare of munitions workers, trade unions gained in acceptance

Fraternising with the Enemy.

From a political perspective, countries became implacable enemies. But, to the soldiers in the trenches, they often saw the human kinship with their fellow soldiers. The Christmas truce of the First world war is tragically poignant in showing how the two sides could fraternise and seek a personal friendship, despite their military orders to kill others. The Christmas truce wasn't just an isolated incident. This respect for the individual soldier on the other side, could be sometimes seen on many fronts. In Gallipoli, the allied troops came to respect the courage and honour of their Turkey counterpart.

"there was no bitterness at all. There's many a German who helped our wounded people down the communication trenches, even carried them down. There was no hatred between the forces. Although we were shooting at one another."

- Private Harold Startin, Forgotten voices of the Somme' - Joshua Levine.

"You didn't hate them as individuals, no, no, you felt sorry for them."

- Corporal Wilfred Woods Forgotten voices of the Somme - Joshua Levine.

Friendship of the War.

Despite the unimaginable hardships and tragedies of the war, some soldiers say it gave something they never had in peacetime. Soldiers say the horror of the war, created unique friendships between soldiers and officers thrown together. Soldiers say how in the front line, class divisions broke down; they were all in in together. The bond between fellow man was a unique experience.

Unexpected Courage.

Soldiers on both sides showed frequently showed the qualities of courage and steadfast loyalty to their cause. But, courage wasn't just in fighting, but also standing up for one's principles. Conscientious objectors who were executed for refusing to fight, were courageous in their own way.



Forgotten voices of the Somme at amazon.co.uk