Civilians on the British home front were affected by World War 1 in several ways: 1) Food rationing was introduced in 1917 and became compulsory in 1918 to address food shortages caused by German U-boats sinking British merchant ships carrying supplies. 2) Conscription was introduced in 1916, requiring all men aged 18-40 to register for potential military service. 3) Censorship of soldiers' letters and limitation of news about casualties was implemented to maintain public morale and support for the war effort.