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Defence of the Realm Act

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Defence of the Realm Act

Read the briefing, then answer the questions using evidence from the material and your own historical reasoning.

Historical briefing

DORA became law on 8 August 1914, shortly after Britain entered the First World War. It gave the government wide powers to make regulations in the interests of public safety and the defence of the realm. The powers were expanded during the war. Regulations could restrict what people published or said about military matters, control access to places such as ports and railway lines, and limit lighting that might help enemy aircraft or ships. The government could also take over land or buildings for wartime use and influence the production and distribution of important goods. Pub opening hours were restricted in some areas, partly because alcohol was thought to affect workers' efficiency. These measures aimed to protect military information and direct people and resources towards the war effort. They also reached into civilian life and limited some freedoms. DORA was not one single rule: it was a law that allowed many regulations to be introduced and changed. Its effects differed according to a person's work and location. The government argued that exceptional powers were needed in wartime; critics worried about censorship, restrictions and the extent of state control.

Investigate DORA

Use the briefing where relevant. For the judgement questions, support your view with specific evidence.

1.Which body passed DORA in August 1914?

The British Parliament
The Royal Navy
The British Army
Local councils

2.When was DORA first passed?

3.Select the purpose given in the briefing for restricting publication of military information.

To protect military information from reaching the enemy
To stop people discussing all political issues
To encourage people to enlist
To increase pub opening hours

4.A newspaper editor is told not to publish details about a troop movement. Which DORA-related measure does this illustrate?

5.True or false? DORA was a single regulation that stayed unchanged throughout the war.

TrueFalse

6.The briefing says that lighting restrictions were introduced. Give one wartime reason for restricting lights.

7.Explain one way DORA could affect the daily life of a civilian who was not serving in the armed forces.

8.The government could take over land or buildings for wartime use. Explain how this power might help the war effort and identify one possible cost to civilians.

9.Assess the claim: “DORA was justified because Britain was at war.” Give one argument supporting the claim and one concern that might challenge it.

10.A historian says, “DORA affected everyone in Britain in exactly the same way.” Use the briefing to challenge this interpretation with one piece of evidence.