1. Primary Source 6: Excerpt from a 1917 British government rationing notice

Question

"Due to the ongoing war, the government has decided to implement rationing. Each family will be allocated a specific amount of meat, bread, and sugar each week. You are encouraged to conserve and report any illegal trading of goods."

What does this rationing notice indicate about civilian life during World War I?

Rationing had no significant impact on the quality of life for civilians

There was an abundance of food and supplies for civilians during the war

Civilians were exempt from the hardships caused by the war

Civilians were required to adjust their daily lives due to limited supplies of essential goods
2.
Primary Source 1: Excerpt from a World War I soldier’s diary (1917)
"The trench is damp and cold. My boots are soaked through, and my fingers feel numb. At night, I hear the sound of artillery booming from across the field. We are constantly told to stay alert for gas attacks. It is hard to tell the difference between exhaustion and fear. I barely sleep, and food is limited to stale bread and thin soup."

Based on this diary entry, what can be inferred about the conditions soldiers faced in the trenches during World War I?

Soldiers were mostly concerned about the psychological effects of war, not physical conditions.

Soldiers dealt with extreme physical hardships, including exhaustion and limited food.

Soldiers often received ample supplies and enjoyed good living conditions.

Soldiers spent most of their time in rest camps away from combat.

Answer 1

1. The rationing notice indicates that civilians were required to adjust their daily lives due to limited supplies of essential goods. The implementation of rationing reflects the scarcity of food and supplies brought about by the war, significantly impacting civilian life.

2. Based on the diary entry, it can be inferred that soldiers dealt with extreme physical hardships, including exhaustion and limited food. The description of the damp and cold trench conditions, along with the limited food supplies and constant threat of gas attacks, paints a picture of the difficult realities faced by soldiers in the trenches during World War I.