Why Rationing Was Introduced
Food became seriously scarce during WWI, and the government had to step in before people literally starved.
German U-boat attacks on merchant ships meant food supplies couldn't reach Scotland safely. Ships carrying essential raw materials were being sunk before they could dock. Meanwhile, food prices skyrocketed faster than people's wages, meaning ordinary families couldn't afford to eat properly.
The government needed to maintain morale on the home front by ensuring everyone got fair access to food. They also had to keep vital war workers properly fed so they could maintain high standards producing weapons and supplies. Hungry workers meant poor-quality equipment for soldiers.
Public health was genuinely at risk, with starvation and malnutrition becoming real problems across Scotland. The government knew that soldiers on the Western Front had to take priority for food supplies to stay strong and healthy, which left even less for civilians back home.
Rationing wasn't popular, but it prevented complete chaos and ensured everyone got at least something to eat during the darkest periods of the war.
💡 Think About It: Rationing continued for years after WWI ended - the effects lasted much longer than the actual fighting!