This book investigates the extent and nature of popular support for the British war effort among the working class during the initial years of the First World War. David Silbey, a historian specializing in military and social history, utilizes archival records, contemporary newspapers, and recruitment data to challenge the notion that working-class enthusiasm was either monolithic or entirely absent. He argues that the response to the conflict was complex, shaped by local identities, economic pressures, and evolving perceptions of national duty.

Historians recognize this work as a significant contribution to the social history of the Great War, particularly for its nuanced look at class dynamics. Scholars frequently note the author's ability to synthesize local case studies into a broader argument about British national identity during a period of crisis.