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How much do Sources A and B reveal about differing interpretations of why so many Scots volunteered to fight in the First World War? Use the sources and recalled knowledge. - Scottish Highers History - Question 17 - 2019
Question 17
How much do Sources A and B reveal about differing interpretations of why so many Scots volunteered to fight in the First World War? Use the sources and recalled kno... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How much do Sources A and B reveal about differing interpretations of why so many Scots volunteered to fight in the First World War? Use the sources and recalled knowledge. - Scottish Highers History - Question 17 - 2019
Step 1
Source A Interpretation
Answer
Source A highlights the perspective of Scottish miners who felt a strong sense of camaraderie and duty when the war broke out. It suggests that many miners saw the war as a restoration of unity among the working classes, viewing it as an opportunity to escape harsh working conditions. The source implies that social reasons, such as peer pressure and camaraderie, were significant factors influencing men to enlist.
Additionally, it touches on the idea that the war provided a chance to serve a greater cause, linking their personal struggles to a collective national effort.
Step 2
Source B Interpretation
Answer
On the other hand, Source B presents a more complex view by indicating the role of economic considerations in the decision to volunteer. It argues that recruitment methods utilized in cities saw mobile recruitment officers targeting individuals who were seeking better opportunities. The source emphasizes the mixture of individual aspirations, such as job security and the search for improved living conditions, as well as social pressures that drove men to enlist.
Moreover, it suggests that the war provided a pathway out of unemployment, reflecting a pragmatic approach to volunteering by many Scots who viewed it as a means of improving their circumstances.
Step 3
Comparative Insights
Answer
Together, both sources reveal that motivations for enlisting in the First World War among Scots were rooted in a combination of social sentiments and economic factors. While Source A emphasizes the emotional and social bonds that fostered unity and collective duty, Source B highlights how the quest for individual betterment and economic necessity shaped the interpretation of volunteering as a practical decision.
This duality suggests that the reasons for enlisting were not only about patriotism and sacrifice but also heavily influenced by socio-economic realities faced by Scots at the time.