Era of the Great War

At the outbreak of World War One many Scottish men joined up, expecting the war to be over quickly. But the war lasted four years and there were huge casualties.

The First World War had an impact on politics. Some Scots took action to improve living and working conditions. There were a series of disputes known as ‘Red Clydeside’.

World War One had an impact on people’s everyday lives. Conscription was introduced and the role of women changed. Scotland suffered a high number of casualties.

World War One gave a boost to industry in Scotland but after the war industries declined while unemployment and poverty increased.