The Great War on the Small Screen: Representing the First World War in Contemporary Britain

Emma Hanna

Remembering the First World War is an integral part of British national life. Every autumn the media turns its attention to the thousands of war memorials erected in the towns, villages, and cities that suffered unimaginable slaughter. Popular representations portray brave volunteer soldiers marching to their deaths, under the supervision of uncaring and incompetent Generals, for no apparent gain. This view continues to be the interpretation that's most acceptable for the national moral palate; however, behind these rituals of remembrance, historians, writers, television producers, and newspaper editors fight bitterly over the presentation of the conflict to the public. The Great War on the Small Screen explores the problematic relationship between history and popular imagination by examining the personal, political, and ideological struggles over the representation of the First World War on British television.

Related Subjects

• Film

About the Author

Emma Hanna is a lecturer in history at the University of Greenwich, London.

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