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Year 12 Modern HistoryAssessment task 1Source Analyses, World War One (core study)88138022796500-172720439420Mark Hopkins, 12MH30th November 2011Weighting, 15%020000Mark Hopkins, 12MH30th November 2011Weighting, 15%Source 1“What are the factors which made the Great War so entirely different from any other war? There have been in the past many wars which were of longer duration. There have been none in which the opposing armies were permanently in contact. There have been none in which the numbers engaged have been so huge… The feature that was without precedent was that from the first day to the last the guns never ceased firing. This was the consequence of the establishment of a continuous barrier of trenches, which limited manoeuvre and kept the opposing armies permanently in contact. To what was the continuous barrier of trenches due? Primarily to the vast numbers engaged on either side. For the first time in history entire nations were in arms. But the appearance of this phenomenon in the years between 1914 and 1918 was not caused by any drastic change in the machinery for making armies… This remarkable change, which, as I have endeavoured to show, altered the form and nature of war far more drastically than did any development of weapons or of military methods, was the consequence of other changes that had no direct connection with war. The prime cause of the expansion in the size of armies, which took place at the beginning of the twentieth century, was the expansion which had taken place in the means of transportation… the application of the internal combustion engine to road transport… The motor lorry could carry from three to four times as much as the horse-drawn vehicle occupying a similar space on the road, and could travel six times as fast… Transportation had ceased to be a limiting factor in the size of armies. There remained one difficulty to be overcome before vast armies could be maintained for any length of time in the field. In all wars before the Great War disease had proved to be at least as great a cause of loss as the enemy’s bullets and shells, in most them a greater one… But while scientists of one kind were giving their minds to the solution of the problems of transportation, those of another kind were solving the problems of sanitation and of the prevention of disease, with the result that in the Great War armies of unprecedented size were kept healthy, though the men in the ranks were living under conditions such as human beings had never before been called upon to endure for a like period… It was no longer necessary to calculate how many men could be fed and kept healthy at any given time and place; the question became how many men capable of bearing arms were available…”Area: the nature of trench warfare, the impact of changing technology, total warThis analytical and secondary source was written by General Sir F. Maurice, a British officer who rose through the army bureaucracy during World War One to eventually establish himself in the position of Director of Military Operations (a position of fairly significant influence). However, the subject of which he writes about is an aspect of the war which is unlikely to be written with an ulterior motive. In other words, there is no foreseeable reason as to why he would write in a deliberately subjective manner for self-advancement. This source was produced after the war at an unspecified date. It was published in the “Official History of the Australian Army Medical Services”, Vol. 2. The quote was also accessed from the book “The Great War” by David Stewart and James Fitzgerald. After thorough searches, a publication date could not be determined, however it is likely to have been written within about two decades of the War’s conclusion. This assumption is made because it is referred to throughout as the “Great War”, a term that ceased to exist following the second World War. Also whilst the source cannot have been created too soon following the war, it is unlikely to have been created decades later, as the level of reflection which is evident in the source would be improbable to exist. The most likely reason for Maurice’s production of this source was to provide historical evidence regarding the First World War from the perspective of British command. The content of the source suggests that it is not for propaganda purposes, as it is solely the opinion of Maurice himself as to why it was such a prolonged and “total” war, and he does not attempt to debate the politics of the War. In this sense, historians can consider the source “reliable”.The source essentially deals with the question “why was the Great War (sic) so different from others throughout history?” Maurice attributes this feature to the huge increase in army sizes, which was subsequently due to the significant advancements made in transport. By improving transport services (for example, the combustion engine), “transportation ceases to be a limiting factor in the size of armies”. He argues that transport essentially allowed for unprecedented mass troop movements. However, the increase in army sizes is also partly attributed to scientific breakthroughs which reduced the number of disease-related deaths, a point also noted by Maurice.Although the view portrayed by Maurice is certainly susceptible to debate, it portrays a reliable and informed perspective regarding the reasons behind World War One being the first “total war” of its kind. The intended audience is most likely to be academic, reducing the likelihood of Maurice’s account to be misleading and for propaganda purposes. As a man of relative significance and insight in World War One, it provides an important perspective to historians wishing to analysing the “total war” aspect of World War One. Its usefulness is hence quite significant; whilst any participant or observer of WWI would be able to provide an unbiased opinion, it is the fact that Maurice was in a position of influence and command which gives this source a different sense of importance. His views on this particular matter are therefore likely to be much more informed and of greater value to historians.Source two0-444500Area: Recruitment, censorship and propaganda in Germany and BritainThis is a primary propaganda source, displaying in German (and underneath in French);” for God, the father/homeland and King.” Although the name of the artist is displayed in the bottom left-hand corner, it is not acknowledged on the website by which the source was accessed (), and is too illegible to read. The electronic copy of the source was located from the website for the King’s College London’s Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives, which holds material from senior British military officials, with the aim to provide access to research materials. As an academic institution it can be assumed that this is a legitimate source. What is confusing however is that the Centre for Military Archives at the College presents archives from British military history. This source, although anti-German, is written in German. The French translation underneath is not only in a smaller font, but is within brackets which suggests that it is not a focal point within the poster. For the sake of this analysis, I will assume the source to be British. A date is also not specified on either the poster itself or the website, however it can clearly be assumed to have been produced either in the short period before the war or during the actual war itself. This is because the aim of the source is to direct public anger towards the Germans and their allies, thereby promoting British military retaliation. Thanks to sources such as this which were successful in fuelling a very anti-German furore, voluntary military enlistments were enormous. By January 1915, a million British men had enlisted to fight. This displays the success of propaganda on the home front in not only fuelling a hatred and anger against the Germans, but in driving men and women to fight for their country against this common cause.According to the website, the source is a “Cartoon showing alleged German atrocities during World War One”. This is an accurate description, with a German soldier (identified by the Pickelhaube - that is the spiked helmet) stabbing a young child with his bayonet. During and following the First World War, the Germans were termed “baby killers” for acts they had supposedly committed in Belgium. By fuelling rumours and misconceptions such as this, the British government was able to generate more support for its policy of military retaliation. Hence, propaganda posters such as this one were common on both sides during the First World War because of the influence they had on public perception and, more importantly, opinion. The usefulness of this source for historians is immense. Through thorough and proper analysis, they can deduce not only what the government was thinking at the time, but what they wanted the public to think. Propaganda such as this is implicit evidence in evaluating what it was that the government wished the public to think or believe, and how they went about influencing this public debate. A primary source such as this is of considerable value to historians and should certainly not be underestimated.Source threeWar Expenditure during WWI (billions of dollars)“Normal” public expenditure“War expenditure”War expenditure at 1913 pricesFrance5.028.29.3Great Britain4.743.821.2Rest of Empire5.95.81.8Italy2.914.73.2Russia5.916.35.4USA2.936.27.1Other allies3.32.0(-0.3)ALLIES30.6147.057.7Germany3.347.019.9Austria-Hungary5.413.44.7Bulgaria, Turkey1.41.10.1CENTRAL POWERS10.161.524.7All belligerents 40.7208.582.4Area: “Total war”, recruitment, censorship and propaganda in Germany and BritainThis table was extracted from the book Excel HSC “Modern History” by Ron Ringer, originally published in 2000 but most recently re-printed in 2010. The book was produced as a study guide, and is therefore objective and aims to provide a range of perspectives regarding World War One. This source should be examined with an open mind, and analysis will hopefully allow for an unbiased insight into the economic and social tolls of “total war”. Due to the publication date, and (it must be assumed) compilation of the statistics by the author at an unknown date, this source must be regarded as secondary. It is entitled “war expenditure during WWI”, and displays the large extent to which WWI was a “total war”. That is, whilst the Allies spent $30.6 billion on ‘normal’ public expenditure during the war, almost five times this amount ($147 billion) was spent on ‘war expenditure’. This not only thoroughly demonstrates the concept of total war in economic terms, but can help explain why the home front was such an influential component of the overall decision making made by generals and nations. What is meant by this is that with such large sums of money being spent on the war, the economic impact would most certainly have been felt on the home front, as a significant decrease in liquidity would have taken effect on civilians. Food rationing was a common occurrence, and it was estimated at one point that Britain had only six weeks of food supplies left . What is significant about this is that in a ‘total war’ it is not just the battle front that is important; the home front is also of the upmost prominence. Germany and her allies spent an even greater proportion of money on the war. Whilst total ‘normal’ public expenditure was $10.1 billion, the war expenditure was more than six times this amount at $61.5 billion. One of the main reasons Germany agreed to sign the Armistice in 1918 was due to their rapidly deteriorating situation on the home front. With such huge amounts of money being directed towards war expenditure, the environment back in Germany was starting to become unbearable, with barely enough food and faltering services. For example, by 1917 “the official ration was only half the normal individual calorie requirement” . Conditions such as this were pushing people to breaking point, and the public was losing what little faith it had left in the war. After all, if they were unable to survive in their own country, what was the point of fighting in a war? If public discontent such as this were to continue, Germany risked revolutionary situations which would pose more of a threat to her as a stable nation than the loss of the war. Morale was also bleak, which subsequently further damaged productivity levels and the overall level of production.The uniqueness of this source is its ability to show us the huge economic toll the war was having and the amount of financial resources which governments of nations were directing towards the fighting, but it also gives credence to the public discontent and anger which inevitably arose from such a shortage of funds on the home front, and the effects this extracted. The intended audience of this source is high school students (due to it being published in an HSC study guide). As mentioned, its aim is to provide objective information and there is thus no reason for bias to exist.Because there is no information on the way this data was compiled, the reliability is difficult to determine. Although there is no foreseeable reason for bias or unreliability to exist, caution should still be exercised when analysing. We can assume for the reasons stated, however, that this is a reliable source.In terms of usefulness, the statistics in this source portray the huge proportion of expenditure which was directed to the war, and helps to give credence to the term ‘total war’. It is useful for historians to examine because we can see the extent to which the home fronts were stretched, and the results this would inevitably have on civilians. Source four0381000Area: Total war, the nature of trench warfare and the impact of changing technology, recruitment, censorship and propaganda in Germany and BritainThis picture (termed a photo by the website) is from the website . However, the origin of the source is the New York Times newspaper, published on the 3rd February 1918. It is entitled “German dispatch dog carrying message to the rear while under fire”.Produced in 1918 for the New York Times, this picture aims to inform the responder that animals were used as a part of warfare during the First World War. Because it was published in an American newspaper during wartime, it is also a safe presumption to make that this picture was used as propaganda. By displaying an animal such as a dog in the middle of a battle scene, the Germans can be construed as neglectful and non-brave. That is, the dog is essentially doing the “dirty work” of the Germans whilst they remain in somewhat ‘safer’ positions. Of course, this is not necessarily the case, as animals were used by both sides due to their speed, size and efficiency. For the Allies to use this as propaganda against the Germans by labelling it “animal cruelty”, they would be committing an act of the upmost hypocrisy. Of course, this is inherent in most propaganda, yet is not made known to the public (or whoever the intended audience may be). The photo/picture displays a dog running back from the front lines, supposedly carrying a message to field commanders further afield from the battlefront. Surrounding it is German soldiers with their rifles, and a large cloud of smoke which possibly indicates recent shelling by the enemy. What is clear from the picture is that danger is inherent, and the dog is at serious risk of injury. This evokes a sense of compassion and empathy in responders which can sometimes unknowingly and without good reason consolidate their views regarding the matter. What is meant by this is that by showing a dog in the picture, responders to the picture may develop feelings of empathy and hence further regard the Germans as the evil “baby killers” that the Allies wished the public to believe they were. As previously mentioned, it is highly likely that the motive of the production of this source is for propaganda purposes, with the intended audience being the general public within which popular opinion is formed. However, if viewed neutrally and without bias, we can see this picture as an excellent example of the way tactics evolved during the war and the innovative ideas formulated by armies on both sides. The benefit of using animals such as dogs is clear from this source. The speed and mobility of the dog allows for the fast relay of messages, and its size means that it is unlikely to be struck by bullets or other forms of shrapnel (i.e. not sustain damage or injury).To deem this source reliable would be unwise, however there are no foreseeable reasons as to why it should not be authentic. Its usefulness to historians is paramount; it displays the many ways in which propaganda could take shape, and also the innovation used on the battlefront. A primary source such as this can be analysed in great detail and give excellent insight into many aspects of the war, as we have seen. For example, historians can determine that innovation and the formulation of effective ideas were not only existent, but of intrinsic value to a nation and its army. In conclusion this is a highly insightful primary source which can be construed to possess several meanings.Source five (Youtube video, entitled German Imperial Army WWI footages)Area: The nature of trench warfare and the impact of changing technology, recruitment, censorship and propaganda in Germany and BritainThe actual producer of the footage contained within this film is unspecified, and there is highly likely to be multiple photographers due to the variety of footage. However the producer of the Youtube video is a user named “PaulRietvoorn”, although this is unlikely to pose any significance. The footage has also been available on “Historum”, which is a history forum website.Once again, the date of manufacture is varied and the specific details are unknown. However it was obviously produced during World War One at some point as it displays battles, conditions on the home front and the Kaiser and his advisers. The date of the video upload is the 10th January 2010. The source contains an array of video footage from World War One, shot with (presumably) German cameras. This is presumable because the footage consists primarily of the German army and the German home front, both of which any Allied photographers would not have had access to. In the background is the song “Heil dir im Siegerkranz”, which was the national anthem of the German Empire (1871-1918). There are an enormous variety of scenes shown throughout this clip and it is subsequently a source of enormous value and importance to historians. It is a primary source and therefore displays scenes from the actual battle and home fronts. The first scene shows a speech given by Kaiser Wilhelm II in front of a large crowd assembled on the streets. The date suggests it is from 1918, with the Kaiser probably attempting to sustain morale and display hope to his subjects at this time. There are next scenes of thousands of German troops piling onto trains as they are transported to the battle fronts. Surrounding the trains are thousands more ecstatic civilians, who form a frenzied mass as they wave and shout and cheer on their soldiers. This represents the uplift which was being experienced at the time of deployment and the large amount of faith which the German people placed in their armies. Images of the battlefront itself are then displayed, with a mass of tangled barbed wire, gas and soldiers dominating the image. This gives the responder an actual view of what the battlefront was like, and can put into context the horror and dangers associated with this type of warfare. The gas displays the changes in technology, but also the horrors of war which clearly existed. The barbed wire further consolidates the image of awful conditions, as it would have presented persistent and very real dangers to the soldiers by blocking their access to enemy trenches. Following on from this are the images of dead bodies lying within the trenches, their lifeless forms covered in mud and enjoying little dignity in death. This presents to the responder a confronting image of the terrible realities of war which were experienced by both sides.Continuing on, the video displays images from naval ships and is thus able to show us how war on the sea was waged. It appears to be similar to modern times, with large mounted guns on battleships firing to inflict damage on the enemy’s vessels. There is then continued footage of the Kaiser, senior commanders and battle scenes.The motive of this footage is most likely to provide insight for the German people. It is in all likelihood shot by German journalists, who would have wished to promote positive sentiment on the home front, but also display some of the horrible realities of war. For example, whilst the first scene displays a very obvious bias by focusing on the Kaiser from a distance and against a large crowd to make him appear larger, not all footage has been shot with this same subjectiveness. The scene showing dead soldiers lying within a trench has simply been shot to inform; that is, inform the public through video evidence that the effects of war are real and horrific. This is still a form of bias, albeit for a different purpose.The study of bias essentially does relate to the composer’s purpose, and in this instance the purpose is varied over different sections of footage. However for the most part we can say that it is either to serve as propaganda (such as images of euphoria on the home front and when the troops are departing for battle), or to serve as a stark reminder of the awful realities of war (for example, the scenes of dead troops within the trenches or the footage from the battlefront). As mentioned, this source is possibly one of the most valuable which can be examined by historians. Its usefulness cannot be underestimated, as it provides actual video evidence of many aspects of the First World War, giving historians (or any responder) the opportunity to view conditions in World War One through their own eyes, and be able to reach more informed conclusions. Of course, the bias and motive of the composer must be considered, but if this is done and caution is exercised, this source and the footage it contains has the potential to be of absolute usefulness. Source six“One morning when Davidson and I got up to make breakfast, we found everything frozen. The lids were tight on the dixies, and our bread was as hard as rock. A pot of syrup was as solid as toffee…as the days went on the cold got more intense. On one occasion I took a dixie of boiled water off the fire and stood it six feet away from the blaze, and within half an hour the water was frozen hard. The tea in our mugs became a solid mass; and we began to realise the hardships of a winter campaign!”Area: the nature of trench warfare and the impact of changing technologyThis secondary source was accessed from the book Key Features of Modern History by Bruce Dennett and Stephen Dixon, published 2000, pg. 99. However it credits the origin of the source as being: A.S Dolden, Cannon Folder, 1980, pg. 106. After online searches, this book could not be found, however the date indicates that it is a secondary source produced well after the war. Its status as a secondary source does not reduce its credibility, as the author of the source was a direct participant in the First World War and is therefore able to provide an insightful view.What the source is essentially focusing on is the dire conditions which were experienced in the trenches of WWI. In this instance, the harshness of winter is described as a “hardship”, and the view given is that conditions inside the trenches at this time were bleak and almost inhospitable. The fact that a dixie full of water would freeze within thirty minutes is testament to the direness of the situation. The following source further describes the serious repercussions of winter in the trenches;“Imagine a winter so cold that water was carried to the soldiers as blocks of ice. Think how cold it must have been to wake after a few hours sleep only to find your eyelids frozen shut. And imagine if you had to keep a bottle of ink in your pocket, otherwise the ink would freeze. Imagine your feet swelling to three times their normal size because you had been standing for a week in water up to your knees. And think how cold it must have been when ice formed around the rim of a boiling cup of tea after you had carried it only 20 paces.”By examining and cross-checking both this source and source six, it can be made quite certain that the conditions in the trenches (especially during winter) were of the upmost danger and discomfort.The motive behind producing such a source is to inform the responder. In this instance of being produced such a long period following the war, it is of almost zero likelihood that this source was produced as a means of propaganda or influencing public opinion on the war. Instead, it aims to educate and create empathy, so that we of today can try to appreciate and understand the horrors which were faced by so many men on both sides of battle during WWI. Although at first one might believe there to be a degree of bias within the source (as the producer attempts to ‘talk up’ his feats or experiences), comparison with the source from and from knowledge of similar sources show us that if existent at all, the bias is very limited. For this reason also we can deem this source to be reliable. This source is useful to historians who may wish to examine first-hand accounts of life on the front line in WWI. By being able to empathise with soldiers of the time, historians can try to understand and explain certain decisions and actions made by those at the time. The enhancement of understanding in this sense will also improve one’s appreciation of the efforts and sacrifice of the soldiers on the battlefronts of WWI, and the horrible situations they were forced to experience in the trenches. To conclude, although it is a secondary source (produced after the time period concerned) it is still of the upmost importance to historians as they can attempt to increase their knowledge of conditions on the battlefronts of WWI and provide somewhat objective accounts of what it was truly like. ................
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