Page "History of the United Kingdom" Paragraph 79

After a rough start Britain under David Lloyd George successfully mobilised its manpower, womanpower, industry, finances, Empire and diplomacy, in league with the French and Americans, to defeat the Germans and Turks.

Most Britons eagerly supported the war, but the Irish were restless and plotted a rebellion in 1916.

The economy grew about 14 % from 1914 to 1918 despite the absence of so many men in the services ; by contrast the German economy shrank 27 %.

The War saw a decline of civilian consumption, with a major reallocation to munitions.

The government share of GDP soared from 8 % in 1913 to 38 % in 1918 ( compared to 50 % in 1943 ).

The war forced Britain to use up its financial reserves and borrow large sums from the U. S.