Subject
World War, 1914-1918 -- Economic aspects -- Great Britain Books
Best books
Irene Osgood Andrews
Economic effects of the world war upon women and children in Great Britain
"Economic Effects of the World War upon Women and Children in Great Britain" by Irene Osgood Andrews is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the significant shifts in the roles and employment of women and children in Great Britain as a result of World War I. It delves into how the war catalyzed an industrial revolution that led to women's increased participation in various sectors, particularly those traditionally held by men. The opening of the book sets the tone for an analysis of the economic landscape during and after the war, highlighting the dramatic influx of women and children into the workforce. It provides an overview of the change in employment status, noting that as men were conscripted into military service, women stepped into labor roles that were previously closed to them. This transformative period created both opportunities for advancement and challenges regarding wages and working conditions, as the number of women in industrial positions and children's labor needs shifted through the war efforts and subsequent reconstruction phases.
Hartley Withers
War-Time Financial Problems
"War-Time Financial Problems" by Hartley Withers is a detailed financial commentary written during the post-World War I era. The text reflects on the economic ramifications of the war and examines the financial policies adopted during this time, likely written in the late 1910s, as the world was emerging from the conflict and grappling with its effects on capital and commerce. The book addresses critical issues such as the creation of capital, war finance, and the implications of governmental monetary policies and taxation. At the start of this work, the author introduces the topic of the supply of capital and the conflicting views on its availability in the aftermath of the war. Withers explores concepts related to the definition of capital and suggests that the actual destruction of capital due to warfare may have been overstated. He emphasizes that saving is essential for capital creation, urges the importance of prudent taxation strategies, and points out the dangers of inflation and unsound financial practices. This opening portion sets the stage for a more profound analysis of how wartime financial practices could influence both immediate recovery and long-term economic stability.
Walter William Wall
The war and our financial fabric
"The War and Our Financial Fabric" by Walter William Wall is a historical and economic analysis written in the early 20th century. This book examines the impact of a major war—clearly referencing the First World War—on the financial systems and banking operations of Britain, focusing particularly on issues such as banking, credit, currency, and national financial confidence. It is aimed at readers interested in monetary theory and the mechanics of banking during times of national crisis, offering insights derived from recent and unprecedented financial challenges. The opening of the book, which includes the preface and first several chapters, sets out Wall's fundamental argument that the British financial system, often criticized for resting on a supposed fragile "superstructure of credit," is in fact far more robust, being grounded in the nation's wealth and sound banking practices. Wall discusses the evolution of money from barter to legal tender, distinguishes between types of currency and deposits, and explores how banks really operate—not by creating credit out of nothing, but by transforming existing wealth into liquid capital. He challenges prevailing anxieties about gold reserves and bank runs, stressing that public confidence in sound management, rather than mathematical ratios of reserves, is key to stability. Throughout, Wall uses simple analogies and balance-sheet analysis to demystify the functions of banks, making the complex structures and controversies of wartime finance accessible to lay readers.
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