Vocabulary & Concepts: Pals Battalions and the Battle of the Somme

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the concept of Pals Battalions during the Battle of the Somme, focusing on key vocabulary and ideas. It aims to develop understanding of recruitment methods and their social impact during WWI.

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Vocabulary & Concepts: Pals Battalions and the Battle of the Somme

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to Pals Battalions

During the early stages of World War I, the British government encouraged men from specific communities, workplaces, or social groups to enlist together. These groups became known as Pals Battalions. They were formed to boost morale and foster a sense of camaraderie among soldiers.

Source A: Recruitment Poster for Pals Battalions

"Join your friends and neighbours! Enlist today and serve together!" Provenance: British government recruitment poster, 1915.

1.
Explain the purpose of Pals Battalions during the Battle of the Somme. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of forming Pals Battalions. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
3.
Outline the social impact of Pals Battalions on local communities during WWI.
[3 marks]
B

Vocabulary and Key Concepts

Pals Battalions: Groups of men from the same community or workplace who enlisted together during WWI.

Camaraderie: A feeling of friendship and mutual support among soldiers.

Recruitment: The process of enlisting men into the army.

Societal Impact: The effect on communities and social structures caused by war and military groups.

Source B: Excerpt from a soldier’s diary, 1916 'Enlisting with my friends made me feel confident, but I worry about what will happen if we all fall together.'

1.
Define the term 'Pals Battalions' and explain its significance during WWI. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the feelings of soldiers enlisting alone versus enlisting with friends, based on Source B and your knowledge. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
3.
Analyse how the formation of Pals Battalions affected the social structure of communities during WWI.
[4 marks]
C

Critical Thinking

Consider the social consequences of using Pals Battalions for recruitment during WWI.

Source C: Modern historian view

'While Pals Battalions increased enlistment numbers, they also caused devastating losses for entire communities when these groups suffered heavy casualties.'

1.
Explain the potential social consequences of using Pals Battalions for recruitment during WWI. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Assess the impact of Pals Battalions on the morale of soldiers and their communities during the Battle of the Somme. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet