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A CENTURY ON,
WORLD WAR 1 IS NOT FORGOTTEN
RESEARCH commissioned by
The Times WWI Centenary Facsimile has revealed the British that the
public has a good grasp on some key facts about World War 1, but
there are areas for improvement.
69% of people knew that Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of
Austria Hungary, while 57% knew that Britain became involved in WWI
because of a treaty with Belgium to defend it if it was invaded.
However 18% thought that Britain became involved to stop the rise of
Nazi Germany, while 17% believed that Hitler was the leader of
Germany at the time, and 19% thought he was only a child.
Knowledge of Britain's leadership during the war is also uncertain,
with 1 in 10 believing that Winston Churchill was Prime Minister
when the conflict began. 26% correctly answered that it was Herbert
Henry Asquith, while 34% guessed it was Lloyd George, who in fact
became Prime Minister in 1915.
The Times WWI Centenary Facsimile features WWI related news stories
and images printed in The Times in June 1914. It is published on
Saturday, 28 June 2014, the 100 year anniversary of the assassination of
Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
The most common World War 1 knowledge is when it took place (90%),
what the term "The Allies" refers to (92%), and the fact that
British and German soldiers once marked Christmas Day by playing a
game of football (85%), although 1% believed they gave each other
tours of their trenches, while 8 people surveyed believed that the
soldiers gathered to watch a screening of the Great Escape.
The First World War is one of the deadliest conflicts in history,
but the number of soldiers estimated to have died is not widely
known, with only 1 in 3 people correctly selecting the approximate
death toll of 10,000,000.
Commenting on the research, Rose Wild, Archive Editor, The Times,
said:- "These results demonstrate that although many people
are aware of some basic facts about WWI, there is much more to be
learnt. The Times' WWI facsimile is a unique window into the past,
and will give readers a fascinating insight into how we covered the
events that would lead to the start of a global conflict 100 years
ago."
People in the East Midlands are the most knowledgeable about World
War 1, with an overall 70% of correct answers, while people in
London know the least, with only 63% of correct answers. Scotland
are top when it comes to countries, with 68%, while England has 66%
and Wales just 64%.
Despite young people being criticised for a lack of knowledge about
Britain's history, the youngest age group questioned:- 18 to 24
year olds; often performed better than 25 to 34 year olds. The
research found that more 18 to 24 year olds than those aged 25 to 34 knew
the dates of the war (82% v 78%), Hitler's involvement (46% v 39%),
who Franz Ferdinand was (64% v 56%), why Britain became involved in
the war (55% v 48%), and how soldiers marked Christmas day (79% v
73%). Overall, those aged 55 and over were the most knowledgeable
about World War 1, with 72% of correct answers.
The Times WWI Centenary Facsimile research also revealed a gender
divide in WWI knowledge, as more men than women knew the correct
answer for each of the nine factual questions they were asked (72%
of correct answers compared to 60%).
Despite a good basic level of knowledge about the war amongst the
British public, only one in ten believe it is the most important
British history subject for children to learn about at school. The
most popular suggestion from the list, with 35%, was World War 2,
followed by the history of the British Monarchy (13%) and the Magna
Carta (12%). World War One received 10%, ahead of the Middle East
conflict (6%) and the creation of the World Wide Web (3%).
Launching within the facsimile will be an exclusive offer for The
Times and The Sunday Times members; 12 months of free access to
family history site, findmypast, worth £99.50.
Facts with thanks to The Times WWI Facsimile. |
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£2 million St
John's Market plan to move a step closer
PLANS for a £2 million refurbishment of St
John's Market in Liverpool City centre are set to move a step
closer. A report to the Council's Cabinet on Friday, 4 July
2014, is recommending
that Graham Construction; who are also carrying out improvements in
the shopping centre; be appointed to carry out the modernisation
programme.
The work is urgently required to tackle a decline in footfall at the
161 stall facility, and follows recent improvements to improve the
roof and lighting.
The proposals, funded through the Council's capital programme, will
see a modernised entrance on Elliot Street, with the approach to the
market being opened up and improved signage making the market more
visible.
In the market itself, there will be a wide, light central atrium
space; a new seating area; the balcony bought back into use with
additional stalls; a café and new public toilets. It will also be
wi-fi enabled.
Stalls selling similar goods will be grouped together; having
sections for food, clothes, hardware and so on, to mirror the layout
of department stores.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet member for regeneration, said:-
"This work is much needed because St John's Market still has
the feel of something that was designed in the 1970s.
Our proposals will see the market transformed into a much more
up to date, brighter and more airy environment in line with what we
know shoppers want.
We will also make the entrance signage much clearer so that people
are attracted in to have a look around. We have had some
extremely positive feedback from traders and have taken into account
their views about the timing and logistics of the works in the main
market hall to avoid the Christmas period."
The plans include an increase in the number of traders operating
from the market, up from 120 to 140.
Providing the go ahead is given, the work will start later this year
and be completed by April 2015.
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