Call for Papers: What the War Did…Social Change During WW1

What the War Did…Social Change During World War One

26-27 September 2017
National Memorial Arboretum

In September, the National Memorial Arboretum will host a 2 day conference looking at how the First World War changed the social landscape of Britain irrevocably, considering the role of women, Empire and technology and the lasting impact of total war.

Through a diverse programme of interactive workshops, tours and seminars, the symposium is aimed at engaging academics, students and historians, and will enable a greater understanding of the real effect of the conflict on the average Briton.

The conference is organised by the National Memorial Arboretum in partnership with the Royal British Legion and Heritage Lottery Fund.

We welcome contributions from individuals/researchers whose research interests link to any of the themes listed below:

1. Women and War

We are interested in all perspectives on the role of women during the First World War, including, but not limited to suffrage, the Home Front, women’s working conditions etc.

2. Empire at War

We want to explore the nature of international warfare from the perspective of the British Empire troops involved, looking at issues such as race, identity, culture, ownership and recognition.

3. Those left behind

There was a huge number of men who didn’t fight (Conscientious Objectors, unable to fight due to sickness, disability etc.)- we are interested in hearing more about what happened to them, what their experiences were, and how they may have functioned in a society which, potentially, would not accept them.

We are interested in topics within these themes that could include (but are not limited to):

• Gender identity
• Remembrance and Memorialisation
• Children and the role of the mother
• Religion/Spirituality
• Consumerism/Retail/Commercialism
• Art and Design

Structure

We are looking for proposals that provide participants/the audience with a diverse menu of engagement opportunities; guided walks, formal presentations/lectures, group discussions, workshops, digital engagement (e.g. through the use of smart phone apps etc.).

Applications

We welcome applications from individuals and groups/institutions, and we are keen to have a diverse representation of speakers/facilitators from the museums/heritage sector, academia, historical societies and community organisations. Should we receive a high volume of applications linked to similar themes/ideas, we will liaise with the applicants to identify potential partnership opportunities.

If you are interested in being part of this exciting event, please submit an overview of no more than 300 words outlining the theme your proposed activity links to and the format your activity will take.

Closing date: 3rd March 2017

All proposals should be submitted via email to education@thenma.org.uk

All enquiries should be directed to John Hughes, Interpretation Curator jkhughes@thenma.org.uk