The Home Front

This theme contains four case studies on the effects of war at home, both in preparing for it to happen and the all too real experience of coping with life while war was occurring. War preparation is highlighted in two British collections: the archives of Adrian Grant Duff show his government's methodical preparation for the First World War and the records of the City of London Engineer's Office reveal the advance procedures in place for dealing with air raids. With the First World War having become a reality, the Crombie archives demonstrate its far flung repercussions on a particular rural Ontario family. The case study entitled Racial Discrimination and Internment reveals the shameful overreaction of the Canadian government against its own citizens on "the Home Front" and the efforts of the committee formed to assist Canadians of Japanese descent.

In addition to the case studies discussed within this theme, there are others which are closely related to it. A case study entitled Socks for the Boys: Marion Simpson and the Knitters of the First World War can be found in the theme The Hamilton Connection as well as another entitled Support and Substitution”: Women’s Roles during World War I in the theme Women and War. In addition, the themes The Soldier’s Life and The Soldier Artist and Poet contain insights into the Home Front as illuminated by the interplay between families at home and their family members in military service.

Several posters included in the theme Representing War: propaganda, posters, pamphlets, publicity, music, artwork and memorials concern the home front. The Canadian Government's Nutrition Services issued a series of leaflets: their guide to a healthy breakfast appears here.