The Edwardian Ear ended abruptly in 1910 with the death of Edward VII. The decade that followed is forever remembered for the First World War,in which the great powers of Europe tore each other and the old order apart. Britain fought with all its might. At home it raised the largest volunteer army in history,and it also drew on the men and resources of its colonies and dominions. Women filled jobs left empty by men at the front: after the war,there was no question that they had earned the right to vote. A generation of young men had made the ultimate sacrifice and the whole nation grieved.