The Civilian

1. Read the lyrics to the following song and answer the following question: What does this song tell us about life in the USA during the war?

Keep The Trench Fires Going For The Boys Out There

First Verse:
Uncle Sammy's boys are somewhere over there in France
Someone's going to know they're in a fight.
Uncle Sammy's boys are not afraid to take a chance
When they're fighting for a cause that's right.
But while Uncle Sammy's boys are fighting brave and true,
There's something too that we have got to do.

Chorus (sung twice after each verse):
Keep the Trench-fires going for the boys out there.
Let's play fair, do our share.
Our boys are fighting for you and me, can't you see?
For you and me and Liberty.
Let's make a showing while they're o'er the foam,
Do your bit and bring them home.
Keep the Trench-fires going for the boys out there.
Let ev'ry son of Uncle Sammy do his share.

Second Verse:
Uncle Sammy's boys are going over there to win
Someone will be wiser when they're thro'.
Uncle Sammy's boys are going right into Berlin,
Then they'll tell the Kaiser what to do.
But if we want Uncle Sammy's boys to finish strong,
It's up to us to help the boys along.

2. Read Some Of The Restrictions On Civilians' Lives During The First World War in Britain.

• Take notes on four restrictions from the Defence of the Realm Act.

3. Read Food Shortages and Rationing.

• Take notes onn how Britain handled food shortages.

4. Read War Work.

• Take notes on the effect of the war on jobs.