World War I has been described as the ‘first modern war’, largely because it was the first war in which advanced machine guns, chemical warfare, tanks, attack aircraft and submarines were widely used. It was also the first ‘total war’, where nations mobilised all of their available resources for the war effort. Millions of people, mainly young men, lost their lives in this conflict, and towns, homes, businesses and farms were destroyed.
Timeline 02: World War 1
So Why Go To War?
Wars have many different causes, so it is important to look at both long-term and short-term factors. The long-term causes of World War I can be traced back to at least the mid 19th century. In the years leading up to WW1 the great powers of Europe were Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and each sought to be the one 'Great Power'.
It has been argued that there were four underlying long-term causes of the First World War. They were:
Long-term factors such as these often form the real basis for going to war, but in many instances it takes a catalyst to trigger outright conflict. In the case of World War I, this catalyst was the assassination of the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Less than two months later, all of the great powers of Europe were engaged in a bitter war that was to last more than four years.
It has been argued that there were four underlying long-term causes of the First World War. They were:
- Nationalism - A strong loyalty to your own country and the belief that its needs are more important than those of other countries. By the beginning of the twentieth century, European nationalism had become agressive. Nations turned against each other as they strived to become more powerful and important than the countries around them.
- Imperialism - The nations of Europe completed against each other to establish large empires. The countries which made up these empires known as colonies, provided ra materials, land for expansion, markets for manufactured food and military and trading bases for the European powers that controlled them. In times of war, colonies were expected to help fight for their colonial powers, this helped make the 1914-18 conflict a 'world' war.
- Militarism - Otherwise known as an arms race. This is the policy of developing powerful weapons and military forces to be used in defence or to attack other nations if this supports national interests. In the lead-up to World War 1 all of the great powers of Europe were involved in increasing the strength of their armies and navies. This 'arms race' greatly increased tensions between the nations of europe.
- Alliances - Economic or military agreements made between two or more nations. In the lead-up to World War 1 the Great Powers of Europe came to form two very powerful alliances which became extremely hostile towards each other. The Triple Alliance of 1882 saw Germany, Austria and Italy sign an alliance in which all three nations agreed to support each other in time of war. The Triple Entente of 1907 saw France, Russia and Great Britain form a defensive pact aimed solely against the power of the Triple Alliance. The effect of these two alliances was to increase tensions between the Great Powers and to split Europe into two divided camps, each fearing the power of the other.
Long-term factors such as these often form the real basis for going to war, but in many instances it takes a catalyst to trigger outright conflict. In the case of World War I, this catalyst was the assassination of the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Less than two months later, all of the great powers of Europe were engaged in a bitter war that was to last more than four years.
Map 01: Europe Before World War One - click for an interactive map
Homework Task 02: The Road to War
Video 01: Causes of World War One
Watch the folioing video and answer the questions in your book.
Video 01: Causes of World War One
Watch the folioing video and answer the questions in your book.
The Declaration of War
The expansion of the conflict from an incident in the Balkans to a world war was a direct result of the alliance system. Austria–Hungary, with support from Germany, quickly issued an ultimatum consisting of ten demands to Serbia. The ultimatum insisted that Austria-Hungary be allowed to participate in Serbia’s investigation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination and, in particular, to take direct part in the judicial process against the suspects. The demands also required Serbia to stamp out all forms of anti-Austrian activism and propaganda emanating from the country. The ultimatum, written by members of the Austrian Council of Ministers, was specifically intended to be humiliating and unacceptable to Serbia.
Serbia agreed to nine of the ten demands but refused to agree to the last one—that officials from Austria–Hungary be involved in the investigation into the assassination of the Archduke.
When Serbia failed to agree to all ten demands, Austria–Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914.
Empires Mobilise
Russia saw itself as Serbia’s protector. It responded by mobilising its army for war against Austria–Hungary and Germany. On 31 July, Germany demanded that Russia stop these preparations for war. Russia did not respond and so Germany declared war on Russia. The Germans had also asked the French government what its intentions were. France issued a vague response, stating that it would ‘follow its own interests’.
The Schlieffen Plan and the invasion of Belgium
In 1914, Germany believed war with Russia was extremely likely. If war broke out, Germany assumed France would also attack as she was both an ally of Russia and keen for revenge for her defeat in the Franco-Prussian war.
If this happened, Germany would face a war on two fronts. Germany wanted to avoid this at all costs.
Germany planned to defeat France rapidly and then turn to the eastern front for a major offensive on Russia. This was the basis for the Schlieffen Plan.
Serbia agreed to nine of the ten demands but refused to agree to the last one—that officials from Austria–Hungary be involved in the investigation into the assassination of the Archduke.
When Serbia failed to agree to all ten demands, Austria–Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914.
Empires Mobilise
Russia saw itself as Serbia’s protector. It responded by mobilising its army for war against Austria–Hungary and Germany. On 31 July, Germany demanded that Russia stop these preparations for war. Russia did not respond and so Germany declared war on Russia. The Germans had also asked the French government what its intentions were. France issued a vague response, stating that it would ‘follow its own interests’.
The Schlieffen Plan and the invasion of Belgium
In 1914, Germany believed war with Russia was extremely likely. If war broke out, Germany assumed France would also attack as she was both an ally of Russia and keen for revenge for her defeat in the Franco-Prussian war.
If this happened, Germany would face a war on two fronts. Germany wanted to avoid this at all costs.
Germany planned to defeat France rapidly and then turn to the eastern front for a major offensive on Russia. This was the basis for the Schlieffen Plan.
The Schlieffen Plan was based on the following assumptions:
If war broke out, Germany would attack France by marching through Belgium. Belgium and France would be quickly defeated, after which Germany could turn its attention to Russia.
If this plan was implemented, it would violate Belgium’s neutrality. Britain had signed a treaty in 1839, guaranteeing to come to the defence of Belgium if another country attempted to invade its borders.
What Happened?
On 2nd August 1914, the German army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium according to the Schlieffen Plan.
The Germans were held up by the Belgium army, backed up by the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) which arrived extremely quickly.
Russia mobilised in just 10 days and Germany was forced to withdraw troops from the Schlieffen Plan to defend her eastern border.
Germany did not take the chance to take Paris, instead decided to attack east of the capital. They were met by French at the battle of the Marne (5-11 Sept) which halted the German advance.
Video: The Start of WW1
- Russia would take at least six weeks to get its army ready for war.
- France would be easily defeated in six weeks.
- Belgium would not resist any German attack.
- Britain would remain neutral.
If war broke out, Germany would attack France by marching through Belgium. Belgium and France would be quickly defeated, after which Germany could turn its attention to Russia.
If this plan was implemented, it would violate Belgium’s neutrality. Britain had signed a treaty in 1839, guaranteeing to come to the defence of Belgium if another country attempted to invade its borders.
What Happened?
On 2nd August 1914, the German army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium according to the Schlieffen Plan.
The Germans were held up by the Belgium army, backed up by the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) which arrived extremely quickly.
Russia mobilised in just 10 days and Germany was forced to withdraw troops from the Schlieffen Plan to defend her eastern border.
Germany did not take the chance to take Paris, instead decided to attack east of the capital. They were met by French at the battle of the Marne (5-11 Sept) which halted the German advance.
Video: The Start of WW1
Activity 02: Questions
- Why did the Archduke and his wife tour Sarajevo?
- Why did Serbia reject Austria–Hungary’s ultimatum in July 1914?
- Carefully examine the key dates leading up to World War I (Above). Use this information to construct a flow chart that shows the lead-up to World War I.
- How do you explain the fact that the rulers of Britain, Germany and Russia, although they were first cousins, were engaged in such bitter conflicts with each other over the course of World War I?
- Examine the background of World War I and list and briefly explain all the major causes of World War I. From your list choose the cause that you believe was most significant and explain why you have chosen this cause.
- If the assassination of the Archduke had not taken place, do you believe that World War I would still have occurred? Explain and support your opinion.
The Nature of Warfare in WWI
World War I is often referred to as the "first modern war" because it was the first war fought and won with technology. Over the course of the war, many new technologies were introduced, and existing military vehicles and weapons were improved. Developments in powerful, long-range weaponry, such as the machine gun and heavy artillery, were particularly important. Deadly new chemical weapons were also a significant development.
Much of this technology is blamed for extending the war, as the conflict quickly became an evenly matched battle of technology and tactics—with neither side able to break the deadlock. Unlike earlier wars, in which the soldiers moved around constantly to gain an advantage, both sides on the Western Front were forced to dig trenches for protection, bringing the armies to stalemate.
Video: Old School Warfare
Much of this technology is blamed for extending the war, as the conflict quickly became an evenly matched battle of technology and tactics—with neither side able to break the deadlock. Unlike earlier wars, in which the soldiers moved around constantly to gain an advantage, both sides on the Western Front were forced to dig trenches for protection, bringing the armies to stalemate.
Video: Old School Warfare
Video 03: Trench Warfare
As animated in Pivot
Activity 03: New Technology
Video 05: New Technologies
Video 05: New Technologies
Questions:
- Identify three ways in which World War I was different from preceding wars.
- Did new developments in technology actually extend the war?
- Why do you think that the use of poison gas was banned under the Geneva Protocol while the use of other types of weapons was not?
- What were the advantages and disadvantages of new developments in communications?
Trench Warfare
The trenches along the Western Front were approximately 700 kilometres long, stretching from the coast of Belgium to the border of Switzerland (almost the distance from Melbourne to Sydney). In most cases, trenches were two metres deep bytwo metres wide.
Life in the trenches along theWestern Front could vary quite a lot, but for most soldiers conditions were appalling. During the winter months, rainfall turned the low-lying trenches into mud pits. In some cases the water reached waist height, leading to condition called trench foot, which caused the feet to rot. During the summer months, rats, lice and flies infested the trenches. The rats could grow to the size of cats, feeding off men’s rations and the constant supply of rotting bodies.
Life in the trenches along theWestern Front could vary quite a lot, but for most soldiers conditions were appalling. During the winter months, rainfall turned the low-lying trenches into mud pits. In some cases the water reached waist height, leading to condition called trench foot, which caused the feet to rot. During the summer months, rats, lice and flies infested the trenches. The rats could grow to the size of cats, feeding off men’s rations and the constant supply of rotting bodies.
Diagram 01: Unlike previous wars, fighting on the Western Front was characterised by 'trench warfare'. Each side had developed an elaborate system of reserve and support trenches with the opposing front lines separated by an area called 'no-man’s land'.
The trenches that soldiers dug during World War I were typically around two metres deep by two metres wide. On both sides, conditions were barbaric, although German trenches tended to be better engineered and more comfortable than the French and British equivalents. To avoid snipers (marksmen trained to ‘pick off’ enemy soldiers from concealed locations), soldiers spent most of the daylight hours under the trench line—most attacks took place at dusk or in the early morning when visibility was poor. Soldiers were often bored during the day, and caught brief moments of sleep where they could. Those falling asleep on watch could be severely punished.
The soldiers had to share the trenches with millions of rats that fed on the remains of dead soldiers left on the battlefields. With so much available food, some rats grew to be as large as cats. They bred constantly and spread disease as they ran over the faces of the sleeping soldiers.
Lice were also constant companions that lived and laid eggs in the seams of the soldiers’ uniforms. The troops were often unable to bathe or change their clothes for weeks at a time. Even when washed, it was almost impossible to rid clothes of the lice eggs. Lice were responsible for the spread of ‘trench fever’. If soldiers were fortunate enough to end up in military hospital, it took them up to 12 weeks to recover from this painful illness. As the war continued, delousing stations were built behind the trench lines.
Relentless rain turned the trenches to canals of stagnant mud. Trench foot, acquired from standing for long periods in wet, muddy conditions, was a fungal infection that caused swelling. Serious cases could result in amputation.
The winter of 1916 was one of the harshest on the Western Front. The cold was so intense that water was carried to the troops as blocks of ice. Boiled water would develop a crust of ice after only a minute or two. Soldiers slept huddled together for warmth under their quota of two blankets each.
Adding to the smell of death and decay that hung over the trenches was a variety of other sickening odours. The smell of unwashed soldiers and overflowing latrines (toilets) mixed with the remains of poison gases, cigarette smoke and a variety of food smells was so intense that new arrivals were often physically sick.
John Alexander Raws was a South Australian soldier who spent only four weeks on the Western Front before he was killed in shelling on 23 August 1916. He wrote to his family, describing conditions in the trenches:
"We are lousy, stinking, ragged, unshaven, sleepless. Even when we’re back a bit we can’t sleep for our own guns. I have one puttee [fabric strip wound around the lower leg for protection], a dead man’s helmet, another dead man’s gas protector, a dead man’s bayonet. My tunic is rotten with other men’s blood and partly splattered with a comrade’s brains. It is horrible but why should you people at home not know."
The soldiers had to share the trenches with millions of rats that fed on the remains of dead soldiers left on the battlefields. With so much available food, some rats grew to be as large as cats. They bred constantly and spread disease as they ran over the faces of the sleeping soldiers.
Lice were also constant companions that lived and laid eggs in the seams of the soldiers’ uniforms. The troops were often unable to bathe or change their clothes for weeks at a time. Even when washed, it was almost impossible to rid clothes of the lice eggs. Lice were responsible for the spread of ‘trench fever’. If soldiers were fortunate enough to end up in military hospital, it took them up to 12 weeks to recover from this painful illness. As the war continued, delousing stations were built behind the trench lines.
Relentless rain turned the trenches to canals of stagnant mud. Trench foot, acquired from standing for long periods in wet, muddy conditions, was a fungal infection that caused swelling. Serious cases could result in amputation.
The winter of 1916 was one of the harshest on the Western Front. The cold was so intense that water was carried to the troops as blocks of ice. Boiled water would develop a crust of ice after only a minute or two. Soldiers slept huddled together for warmth under their quota of two blankets each.
Adding to the smell of death and decay that hung over the trenches was a variety of other sickening odours. The smell of unwashed soldiers and overflowing latrines (toilets) mixed with the remains of poison gases, cigarette smoke and a variety of food smells was so intense that new arrivals were often physically sick.
John Alexander Raws was a South Australian soldier who spent only four weeks on the Western Front before he was killed in shelling on 23 August 1916. He wrote to his family, describing conditions in the trenches:
"We are lousy, stinking, ragged, unshaven, sleepless. Even when we’re back a bit we can’t sleep for our own guns. I have one puttee [fabric strip wound around the lower leg for protection], a dead man’s helmet, another dead man’s gas protector, a dead man’s bayonet. My tunic is rotten with other men’s blood and partly splattered with a comrade’s brains. It is horrible but why should you people at home not know."
Questions:
Task 04:
Take on the role of a relative of John Alexander Raws. Write a letter to him commenting on the horror of his experiences but also attempting to boost his spirits and spur him on to continue the fight.
- Identify and list some features of life in the trenches.
- Why do you think John Alexander Raws felt that people at home should know what he was going through?What impact do you think these letters would have had on the views of war at home? Suggest several responses.
- Suggest one reason why it was good that soldiers such as John Alexander Raws wrote to family about the real horrors of war, and one reason why it was not.
- Identify as many factors as possible that made life in the trenches hard for soldiers. Of these factors, which do you think would be the most difficult to tolerate. Give reasons for your answer.
Task 04:
Take on the role of a relative of John Alexander Raws. Write a letter to him commenting on the horror of his experiences but also attempting to boost his spirits and spur him on to continue the fight.