New Books in Sociology
Alex Mayhew, "Making Sense of the Great War: Crisis, Englishness, and Morale on the Western Front" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
Dec 4, 2024
Join historian Alex Mayhew, an expert on the First World War, as he reveals the resilience of English infantrymen amidst the chaos of the Western Front. He explores how soldiers navigated their harrowing experiences, crafting meaningful narratives while enduring unprecedented hardships. Delve into the significance of morale, class distinctions, and the interplay between military culture and soldier perception. Discover how nostalgia for home and evolving ideas of duty shaped their identities during one of history's darkest chapters.
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Quick takeaways
- Morale was a critical factor in soldiers' endurance during WWI, as it influenced their perceptions of duty, character, and belonging.
- The soldiers' coping mechanisms, such as routine and normalization, helped them adapt to the horrors of trench warfare and maintain psychological resilience.
Deep dives
The Role of Morale in Military Experience
Morale plays a crucial role in soldiers' experiences during the First World War, influencing their ability to endure conflict. Soldiers often associated morale with personal duty, character, and a sense of belonging to their units. The military's efforts to bolster morale included initiatives like training, sports, and social activities, which helped to foster camaraderie among soldiers. Additionally, soldiers derived strength from their connection to home and familial relationships, which fueled their motivation to remain steadfast in battle.
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