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We study how the legacy of WWI deaths affected British communities
and the next generation of soldiers. Our instrumental-variable
estimates show that servicemen from localities that suffered heavier
losses in WWI were considerably more likely to die or win gallantry
medals in WW2. To contextualise these findings, we show that the
mortality shock increased communities’ inter-war civic capital as
demonstrated by the creation of war memorials, veterans’ associations
and charities, and increases in pro-social participation.
Our results highlight the importance of past conflicts in fostering
pro-social behaviours which, in turn, can shape the motivation of
soldiers in future wars.
