World War One – an overview



World War One – an overview

The Causes of the First World War

There are many reasons why the World went to war in 1914. These are some of the more important reasons. Britain and Germany were competing to have the most powerful navy in the world. This caused tension in Europe. The Scramble for Africa (when European countries had tried to get as many colonies as they could) had led to many small conflicts around the world. This meant that some of the major European powers were not very friendly towards each other. The French were very distrustful of the Germans as a result of the war in 1870-1871 that the Germans had won. The alliance systems set up to prevent war meant that any major political disputes would inevitably lead to a large rather than a small conflict. Nationalism. People across the world were very eager to let the rest of the world how strong and important their country was. many people thought that their country was better than others: and thought that they'd be able to win a war very easily if there was one. The Balkans region of Europe was claimed by both Russia and Austria (it was in general under Austrian control). This meant that the Russians and the Austrians would both be eager to enforce their authority over this region.  A desire for independence. many people in Europe lived in countries that were part of empires. They didn't all like being ruled by people with different languages and religions and this led to conflicts that could (and did) involve other nations. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. He was the heir to the Austrian throne and was murdered by Serbian nationalists. This was the spark that caused  war to be declared.

Trench Warfare

The First World War was the first major conflict that made use of what we would consider to be 'modern' weapons. No longer were the Cavalry and the sword the most potent weapons on the battlefield. It was now a case of the machine gun and a gas canister taking control of the battle. Trenches came about as a result of the German General Erich von Falkenhayn ordered his men to dig in to stop the Allies from advancing any further. Unable to break through this line of German defences the British and French had little option but to defend themselves by digging trenches themselves: otherwise the Germans would have been able to counter attack with ease. Trenches were not nice places to live and fight in. They were often waterlogged, and had little if any comforts such as heating and toilets. Much of the time the trenches were as little as 40 metres away from the enemy and the method of attack was to 'go over the top' of the trench and charge at the opposing trench. Millions died as machine guns cut through most soldiers well before they reached the trenches.

Fighting in the trenches

At the start of the First World War many of the soldiers and Generals were prepared for a short open war. The weapons that the services were equipped with reflected this. Rifles and swords were the most common assault weapons provided for the new recruit in 1914: swords mainly for the officers. Pistols and bayonet's were also common pieces of basic weaponry. As it became evident that the war was not going to be an open conflict new and more deadly weapons were introduced to the battlefield. The Machine Gun of course was paramount in the reasons for trench Warfare occurring in the first place. Alongside this deadly new weapon were other, never seen before methods of killing and maiming. Gas was used as a weapon, leaving the front line troops reliant upon good fortune and a good gas mask. The Barrage was developed as a means of attacking. Big Guns were brought in, often from ships, to bombard the trenches of the opposing force. These were complemented by the development of the tank, the aircraft and other weapons such as the Flamethrower.

WW1 Poetry

"Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!--An ecstasy of fumbling

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime.--

Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning."

Is this a reliable account of life on the Western Front?

Things to consider

• Owen fought on the Western front, so it's Primary Source material.

• Gas attacks were used on the Western Front.

• soldiers were issued with Gas masks.

• Poetry is often filled with metaphors and similies, making it more difficult to appraise.

• Owen's personal experiences may not be representative of all experiences of life on the Western Front.

• The purpose of the poem: What is Owen trying to say?

Dan Lyndon 2004

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