| What did the Military Service Act of January 1916 impose? | The Military Service Act imposed conscription on all single men aged 18 to 41, with some exemptions. |
| What did the Military Service Act of January 1916 impose? | The Military Service Act imposed conscription on all single men aged 18 to 41, with some exemptions. |
| Who replaced Sir John French as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in December 1915? | Douglas Haig |
| What was one aspect of Douglas Haig's personality? | He was seen as aloof and enigmatic, believing in a divine destiny guiding his actions and practising spiritualism. |
| What did the British do to prepare for the Battle of the Somme under Haig's leadership? | Built extensive infrastructure, including roads, gun positions, and camps, to support the offensive on the Somme. |
| How had the Germans fortified their positions on the Somme? | They had heavily fortified their positions with deep |
| What type of soldiers made up the British divisions on the Somme? | They included regular, Territorial, and "Kitchener" volunteer divisions, many of which were new and inexperienced. |
| What were "Pals" battalions on the Somme? | British units made up of soldiers who enlisted together from local communities, adding a sense of camaraderie to the battle. |
| What tactic did the British command instruct soldiers to follow during the Battle of the Somme? | Soldiers were instructed to maintain a steady pace in successive lines, disregarding more flexible tactics like "fire and movement." |
| What did British commanders rely heavily on in their strategy for the Battle of the Somme? | They placed heavy emphasis on artillery bombardment during the battle. |
| What was the main failure of the British artillery at the Battle of the Somme? | It failed to cut the German barbed wire effectively, leaving many attacking troops trapped in no man’s land. |
| What was one issue with the "creeping barrage" technique used by British artillery? | It moved too quickly or too far ahead, leaving infantry exposed. |
| How many British casualties were suffered on the first day of the Battle of the Somme? | On July 1, 1916, the British suffered around 20,000 dead and 40,000 wounded. |
| What defensive strategy did the Germans use during the Battle of the Somme? | They adopted a defense-in-depth strategy, abandoning static front lines and using reserves for counterattacks. |
| What was the significance of tanks during the Battle of the Somme? | Tanks were first used in warfare during the Battle, but their impact was limited due to mechanical failures and low numbers. |
| How much territory did the Allies gain by the end of the Battle of the Somme? | By the end of the battle in November 1916, they had advanced about seven miles at the furthest points. |
| Why did British Prime Minister Asquith resign in 1916? | Due to the failure of the Battle of the Somme. |
| What did the Military Service Act of January 1916 impose? | It imposed conscription on all single men aged 18 to 41, with some exemptions. |
