Introduction
The First World War (1914-1918) was a conflict that shattered the illusion of a civilized world and brought unprecedented suffering not only to the battlefields but also to the home front. This essay will explore two significant ways in which the war affected the civilian population in Britain: the introduction of conscription and the terrifying experience of air raids and attacks on coastal towns, both of which brought the realities of war directly into the lives of ordinary people.

Paragraph 1: Conscription
Prior to the First World War, Britain had always relied on a volunteer army. However, the sheer scale of casualties on the Western Front meant that by 1916, voluntary enlistment was no longer enough to sustain the war effort. This led to the introduction of conscription in Britain for the first time in its history through the Military Service Act of 1916. This Act initially required all single men aged 18 to 41 to register for military service, but was later expanded to include married men. The impact on families and communities was profound, as men were torn away from their homes, jobs, and loved ones to fight in a war many did not understand or support. The absence of men also placed a heavy burden on women, who were left to manage households, raise children, and often take on traditionally male roles in factories and farms.
Evidence: By the end of the war, nearly 5 million men had been conscripted into the British Army, demonstrating the massive impact this policy had on the male population and, consequently, the lives of their families. The conscription of men also led to labor shortages in various industries, forcing women to fill the gaps and significantly impacting the social fabric of British society.

Paragraph 2: Impact of Air Raids and Attacks on Coastal Towns
The First World War marked a turning point in warfare as civilians became deliberate targets of enemy attacks. The development of military aviation technology allowed Germany to launch bombing raids on British cities using Zeppelins. These airships, filled with flammable hydrogen gas, instilled terror in the hearts of civilians as they flew over major cities, dropping bombs indiscriminately. The raids on London, in particular, caused widespread panic and resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. Beyond air raids, coastal towns like Scarborough and Hartlepool suffered unexpected and devastating attacks by German battleships. The bombardment of these towns in 1914 shocked the British public, shattering the sense of security they felt being an island nation.
Evidence: The first Zeppelin raid on London occurred in May 1915, and by the end of the war, over 50 raids had been carried out on British towns and cities. The attack on Scarborough in 1914 resulted in over 100 civilian deaths and sparked outrage and fear across the nation. These events demonstrated the new face of warfare, where civilians were no longer immune from the horrors of conflict and highlighted the indiscriminate nature of modern weapons.

Conclusion
The First World War had a profound and lasting impact on civilian life in Britain. The introduction of conscription irrevocably altered the social fabric of the nation, separating families and forcing women into new roles. Simultaneously, air raids and attacks on coastal towns shattered any sense of security and brought the horrors of war directly to the home front. These experiences left an indelible mark on British society, shaping not only the lives of those who lived through them but also influencing the nation's approach to future conflicts and their enduring consequences on the home front.