As a historical expert with a focus on the early 20th century, I have a deep understanding of the political landscape during World War I, particularly in England. The question of who led England during the Great War is a pivotal one, as it touches upon the transformation of the nation's leadership and the shift in its approach to warfare.
At the outset of World War I, the leader of England, or more accurately, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was H. H. Asquith. He held the position from 1908 to 1916 and was known for his initial approach to the war, which was often criticized as being too passive and failing to adapt to the new demands of modern warfare. Asquith's leadership was characterized by an attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war, an approach that came to be seen as inadequate as the conflict escalated.
However, the leadership of England during the latter half of the war is more contentious and is often associated with David Lloyd George. Lloyd George took office as Prime Minister in December 1916, following a political crisis that saw Asquith's government lose the confidence of the House of Commons. Lloyd George's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a significant shift in the conduct of the war. He is credited with moving the country towards a state of total war, which involved a complete state intervention in public affairs and the economy. This was a stark departure from the previous approach and was necessary to mobilize the nation's resources effectively for the war effort.
Lloyd George's leadership was transformative and is considered the first instance of such a total war policy in Britain. He implemented measures that included the introduction of conscription, the establishment of government control over key industries, and the creation of new ministries to oversee the war effort. His government also took steps to improve the coordination of military and civilian efforts, recognizing the need for a unified command structure.
The transition from Asquith's leadership to that of Lloyd George was not without its challenges. There were debates and disagreements over the direction of the war and the best way to manage the country's resources. However, it is clear that Lloyd George's approach was a response to the unprecedented nature of the conflict and the need for a more centralized and coordinated effort.
In conclusion, while H. H. Asquith was the Prime Minister at the beginning of World War I, it was David Lloyd George who led England through the latter stages of the war and is most associated with the shift towards total war. His leadership marked a significant moment in British history, as it represented a fundamental change in the way the nation approached warfare and governance during times of crisis.
read more >>

The war saw a move away from the idea of "business as usual" under Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, and towards a state of total war (complete state intervention in public affairs) under the premiership of David Lloyd George; the first time this had been seen in Britain.read more >>