Table of Contents
What caused shell shock during ww1?
In the early years of World War One, shell shock was believed to be the result of a physical injury to the nerves and being exposed to heavy bombardment. Shell shock victims often couldn’t eat or sleep, whilst others continued to suffer physical symptoms.
How does morale affect war?
Morale is important in the military, because it improves unit cohesion. Without good morale, a force will be more likely to give up or surrender. Morale is usually assessed at a collective, rather than an individual level. In wartime, civilian morale is also important.
What were some effects of the decline in morale ww1?
High casualties, poor food, and lack of sleep were among many factors that constantly threatened to undermine the morale, and therefore the fighting strength, of First World War armies.
Is shell shock PTSD?
The term shell shock is still used by the United States’ Department of Veterans Affairs to describe certain parts of PTSD, but mostly it has entered into memory, and it is often identified as the signature injury of the War.
How did Arthur Hurst treat shell shock?
Hurst called it War Neuroses, the term he preferred to “shell shock”. Hurst recorded his patients before and after treatment with intertitles stating their diagnosis, symptoms and, most importantly, the speed of cure.
Why does the morale change during WWI?
Morale among the Central Powers’ populations was influenced by the militarization of the home front, hardships and lack of political reforms. Due to the blockade, the food issue affected everyday life and, in the long run, changed the relationship between people and institutions.
How could low morale hurt a country fighting a war?
Low morale can hurt a country fighting a war because those are troops that don’t want to take orders, so they won’t fight and people won’t support the army either.
What was morale like in the trenches?
Training, firm discipline and strong leadership also motivated soldiers and, the threat of punishment helped keep soldiers in line. Military traditions and values were also important, even in citizen-armies like Canada’s, and the firm sense that most soldiers shared in the justness of their cause.
Do soldiers still get shell shock?
A soldier displaying the characteristic thousand-yard stare associated with shell shock. The term shell shock is still used by the United States’ Department of Veterans Affairs to describe certain parts of PTSD, but mostly it has entered into memory, and it is often identified as the signature injury of the War.