The Great War World War I August 1914-November 1918

The Great WarThe Great War

World War IWorld War I

August 1914-November 1918August 1914-November 1918

The BeginningThe Beginning

The assassination of Archduke Franz The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, Bosnia (June Ferdinand in Sarajevo, Bosnia (June 28, 1914) was the spark that ignited 28, 1914) was the spark that ignited the “European powder keg.”the “European powder keg.”

The BeginningThe Beginning The assassination The assassination

immediately triggered an immediately triggered an interlocking series of interlocking series of European alliances. European alliances. Germany immediately Germany immediately backed Austria-Hungary, backed Austria-Hungary, who threatened to attack who threatened to attack Serbia. Serbia appealed Serbia. Serbia appealed to her ally Russia for to her ally Russia for help. help.

Resources of the CombatantsResources of the Combatants

On paper, the Allies had an On paper, the Allies had an overwhelming advantage in people overwhelming advantage in people and resources. and resources.

The Central Powers had a population The Central Powers had a population of about 150 million people.of about 150 million people.

The Allies had nearly double that The Allies had nearly double that number + over 325 million people in number + over 325 million people in their colonies (like India).their colonies (like India).

French SoldiersFrench Soldiers

Resources of the CombatantsResources of the Combatants

The winner of this conflict would be The winner of this conflict would be the side with the most men and the side with the most men and material, the one able to win through material, the one able to win through wearing the other side down wearing the other side down (attrition).(attrition).

But the Central Powers had some But the Central Powers had some important advantages the Allies did important advantages the Allies did not possess.not possess.

Resources of the Central PowersResources of the Central Powers Germany and Austria were adjoined to one Germany and Austria were adjoined to one

another and had interior lines of another and had interior lines of communication, which enabled them to communication, which enabled them to transfer troops from one spot to another transfer troops from one spot to another quickly and efficiently.quickly and efficiently.

The Germans and the Austrians spoke the The Germans and the Austrians spoke the same language and had for many years same language and had for many years been firmly allied with each other.been firmly allied with each other.

Most importantly, Most importantly, Germany was READY for Germany was READY for war, with a well organized military war, with a well organized military machine and a good stock of munitions.machine and a good stock of munitions.

German SoldiersGerman Soldiers

Resources of the Central PowersResources of the Central Powers When food supplies ran low, German When food supplies ran low, German

scientists created scientists created ersatzersatz, or artificial , or artificial food substitutes, because their chemical food substitutes, because their chemical industry was superior to that of the industry was superior to that of the Allies.Allies.

The German people were united in their The German people were united in their support of the warsupport of the war, and they had the , and they had the psychological advantage of being on the psychological advantage of being on the offensive (or taking the war to the offensive (or taking the war to the enemy).enemy).

No important part of the war was fought No important part of the war was fought on German soil, and when the war on German soil, and when the war ended, the German army was still intact ended, the German army was still intact and Germany had not been invadedand Germany had not been invaded..

The Central PowersThe Central Powers

Resources of the AlliesResources of the Allies

In contrast to the advantages of In contrast to the advantages of Germany and Austria, geography and Germany and Austria, geography and language separated the western language separated the western Allies from each other and Russia.Allies from each other and Russia.

German control of the Baltic Sea and German control of the Baltic Sea and Ottoman control of the Dardanelles Ottoman control of the Dardanelles made communication between made communication between Russia and her allies very difficult.Russia and her allies very difficult.


For the Allies, transferring troops For the Allies, transferring troops between the Western and Eastern between the Western and Eastern Fronts was militarily impossible, Fronts was militarily impossible, creating creating a major weaknessa major weakness..

Russia, Britain, and France had only Russia, Britain, and France had only recently come together, and not as recently come together, and not as close allies. Each had problems with close allies. Each had problems with the others.the others.


The Allies had little experience in The Allies had little experience in mutual cooperation with each other and mutual cooperation with each other and no common language.no common language.

France and Britain were democracies, France and Britain were democracies, and Russia was autocratic. and Russia was autocratic.

Of the three great Allies in 1914, only Of the three great Allies in 1914, only France was prepared for warFrance was prepared for war. But . But France’s 39 million people were against France’s 39 million people were against Germany’s 65 million, making France Germany’s 65 million, making France the weakest in manpower.the weakest in manpower.


Britain was well prepared on the sea, Britain was well prepared on the sea, but the British navy was not going to but the British navy was not going to be much use against the German be much use against the German army.army.

Russia had a large army, but it was Russia had a large army, but it was the least industrialized country and it the least industrialized country and it was riddled with inefficiency and was riddled with inefficiency and corruption.corruption.

Russian SoldiersRussian Soldiers

Position of the United StatesPosition of the United States The United States The United States

remained neutral. remained neutral. When war broke out, When war broke out, the U.S. was the U.S. was determined to avoid determined to avoid being dragged into being dragged into the conflict.the conflict.

American wartime American wartime xenophobia: British xenophobia: British (and then American) (and then American) propaganda showed propaganda showed the Germans to be the Germans to be evil.evil.

Position of the United StatesPosition of the United States

The 1910 U.S. census revealed that The 1910 U.S. census revealed that one in three Americans was foreign one in three Americans was foreign born or had foreign born parents. born or had foreign born parents.

Over 10 million Americans came Over 10 million Americans came from Germany or Austria-Hungaryfrom Germany or Austria-Hungary. .

Many more millions were IrishMany more millions were Irish (who (who hated the British). So American hated the British). So American feelings about the war were mixed.feelings about the war were mixed.

Position of the United StatesPosition of the United States But the majority of Americans strongly But the majority of Americans strongly

supported the Alliessupported the Allies. . Germany had an international reputation for Germany had an international reputation for

aggressive, militaristic, autocratic behavior.aggressive, militaristic, autocratic behavior. In the U.S., many colleges stopped offering In the U.S., many colleges stopped offering

German as a language. German street German as a language. German street names were “Americanized.” Children no names were “Americanized.” Children no longer got the German measles, they had longer got the German measles, they had “liberty” measles. The family Dachshund “liberty” measles. The family Dachshund became the “liberty” dog. became the “liberty” dog.

Position of the United StatesPosition of the United States Prior to 1917, even though the U.S. was Prior to 1917, even though the U.S. was

officially neutral, many young Americans officially neutral, many young Americans formed fighting units such as the formed fighting units such as the Lafayette Escadrille, who volunteered for Lafayette Escadrille, who volunteered for service in France.service in France.

The Beginning of the Great WarThe Beginning of the Great War

Fearing a battle with Russia in the Fearing a battle with Russia in the east and France in the west, east and France in the west, Germany stormed through neutral Germany stormed through neutral Belgium to attack France, hoping Belgium to attack France, hoping that a quick strike would eliminate that a quick strike would eliminate them from the war (them from the war (the von the von Schlieffen PlanSchlieffen Plan). ).

The Beginning of the Great WarThe Beginning of the Great War The Germans wanted to quickly The Germans wanted to quickly

eliminate the French so they could eliminate the French so they could concentrate on the Eastern Front with concentrate on the Eastern Front with RussiaRussia..

When the Germans went through When the Germans went through Belgium, Britain feared a possible Belgium, Britain feared a possible invasion and set up a naval blockade of invasion and set up a naval blockade of the English Channel, blocking German the English Channel, blocking German trade (mainly with the U.S.).trade (mainly with the U.S.).

The Beginning of the Great WarThe Beginning of the Great War

The Germans retaliated by attacking The Germans retaliated by attacking British shipping and the war quickly British shipping and the war quickly escalated.escalated.

By August 6, 1914, when Austria-By August 6, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia, all the Hungary declared war on Russia, all the members of the Triple Alliance and all members of the Triple Alliance and all the Triple Entente had entered the war, the Triple Entente had entered the war, with the exception of Italy (and the with the exception of Italy (and the United States which had declared United States which had declared neutrality).neutrality).

The Great War (the Combatants) The Great War (the Combatants)

The Central Powers of Germany and The Central Powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary stood against the Austria-Hungary stood against the Allies—Britain, France, Russia, and Allies—Britain, France, Russia, and Serbia. Serbia.

Turkey (The Ottoman Empire) joined Turkey (The Ottoman Empire) joined the Central Powers in November.the Central Powers in November.

Bulgaria joined the Central Powers in Bulgaria joined the Central Powers in 1915, and Portugal and Romania on 1915, and Portugal and Romania on the side of the Allies in 1916.the side of the Allies in 1916.

The Great War (the Combatants) The Great War (the Combatants)

Japan, wanting to be recognized as a Japan, wanting to be recognized as a major power and hoping to remove major power and hoping to remove Germany from Far Eastern Germany from Far Eastern possessions, came in on the side of possessions, came in on the side of the Allies in late August.the Allies in late August.

Italy received competing territorial Italy received competing territorial offers from both sides and decided to offers from both sides and decided to leave the Central Powers and join the leave the Central Powers and join the Allies in May 1915.Allies in May 1915.

The Great War (the Combatants)The Great War (the Combatants)

The United States officially entered in The United States officially entered in April 1917 but didn’t have a sizable April 1917 but didn’t have a sizable troop presence until June 1918.troop presence until June 1918.

By the time the war ended in 1918, By the time the war ended in 1918, there were fifty-six declarations of there were fifty-six declarations of war, making this the first truly global, war, making this the first truly global, or “world war.”or “world war.”

The Great WarThe Great War In August 1914 Kaiser Wilhelm II promised In August 1914 Kaiser Wilhelm II promised

his troops “you will be home before the his troops “you will be home before the leaves have fallen from the trees” leaves have fallen from the trees” reflecting the universal feeling that this reflecting the universal feeling that this was going to be a quick and glorious war.was going to be a quick and glorious war.

The Great WarThe Great War The French were able to stop the first The French were able to stop the first

German land push in September 1914 German land push in September 1914 (First Battle of the Marne). As the (First Battle of the Marne). As the Germans retreated, they didn’t want to Germans retreated, they didn’t want to give up French/Belgian territory already give up French/Belgian territory already captured so they dug in. The French and captured so they dug in. The French and British did the same thing, and fighting British did the same thing, and fighting soon ground into trench warfare.soon ground into trench warfare.

The war quickly became anything but The war quickly became anything but glamorous.glamorous.

The Great WarThe Great War

The French behind a ditch at the The French behind a ditch at the Battle of the Marne.Battle of the Marne.

The Great WarThe Great War In saving Paris from capture by pushing In saving Paris from capture by pushing

the Germans back some 45 miles, the the Germans back some 45 miles, the First Battle of the Marne was a great First Battle of the Marne was a great strategic victory, because it enabled strategic victory, because it enabled the French to continue the war. the French to continue the war.

However, the Germans succeeded in However, the Germans succeeded in capturing a large part of the industrial capturing a large part of the industrial north east of France, which was a north east of France, which was a serious blow.serious blow.

The Trenches on the Western FrontThe Trenches on the Western Front Trench warfareTrench warfare ground ground

the war to a the war to a stalematestalemate. . At first the trenches At first the trenches were just quickly dug were just quickly dug ditches, but as the ditches, but as the stalemate continued, stalemate continued, huge networks of huge networks of defensive fortifications defensive fortifications were built, stretching were built, stretching nearly 400 miles from nearly 400 miles from the English Channel to the English Channel to the Swiss border.the Swiss border.

Trench Warfare on the Western FrontTrench Warfare on the Western Front Trenches went from being simple ditches Trenches went from being simple ditches

(early in the war) to elaborate (early in the war) to elaborate fortifications. fortifications.

Trench builders designed parapets, Trench builders designed parapets, machine gun nests, and an elaborate machine gun nests, and an elaborate network of approach trenches. Soon, network of approach trenches. Soon, the entire Western Front was one giant the entire Western Front was one giant fortification.fortification.

Thousands of local actions in four years Thousands of local actions in four years shifted the lines here and there, but on shifted the lines here and there, but on the whole, the lines held.the whole, the lines held.

The Trench SystemThe Trench System


Front line trenchesFront line trenches These were usually These were usually

about seven feet deep about seven feet deep and about six feet and about six feet wide. The Allies were wide. The Allies were forced to dig their forced to dig their trenches in lower trenches in lower ground so they were ground so they were often waterlogged. often waterlogged.

British soldiers called British soldiers called them “suicide them “suicide ditches.”ditches.”

The Trench SystemThe Trench System Trenches had a zigzag Trenches had a zigzag

pattern to prevent the pattern to prevent the enemy from shooting enemy from shooting straight down the line. straight down the line. Sandbags were put on Sandbags were put on both sides of the top of both sides of the top of the trench to absorb the trench to absorb enemy bullets. Lines of enemy bullets. Lines of barbed wire protected the barbed wire protected the frontline trench from any frontline trench from any enemy attacks.enemy attacks.

Front Line TrenchesFront Line Trenches

The Trench SystemThe Trench System Fire stepFire step

This was cut into the This was cut into the side of the trench and side of the trench and allowed the soldiers to allowed the soldiers to peer over the side of the peer over the side of the trench towards the trench towards the enemy. enemy.

It was where the It was where the sentries or the whole sentries or the whole unit stood when they unit stood when they were on 'were on 'standing-tostanding-to' ' duty which meant that duty which meant that they were waiting for a they were waiting for a possible enemy attack. possible enemy attack.


Communications trenches:Linking the front-line trench to the Linking the front-line trench to the support and reserve trenches. They support and reserve trenches. They allowed the movement of men, allowed the movement of men, equipment and supplies and were equipment and supplies and were also used to take the wounded back also used to take the wounded back to the Casualty Clearing Stations. to the Casualty Clearing Stations.

Communications TrenchCommunications Trench


No-Man's LandNo-Man's LandThe land that separated the Allied and the The land that separated the Allied and the German trenches was a wasteland of German trenches was a wasteland of barbed wire, shell craters, blackened tree barbed wire, shell craters, blackened tree stumps and the occasional shell of a stumps and the occasional shell of a building. building.

It was normally around 250 yards but It was normally around 250 yards but could vary between 7 yards at Zonnebeke could vary between 7 yards at Zonnebeke (Belgium) to 500 yards at Cambrai (Belgium) to 500 yards at Cambrai (Northern France). (Northern France).

No-Man's LandNo-Man's Land

No-Man's LandNo-Man's Land

Life in the TrenchesLife in the Trenches Life in the trenches was Life in the trenches was

a series of horrors as a series of horrors as men had to deal with men had to deal with the cold, rain, heat, rats the cold, rain, heat, rats bloated from chewing bloated from chewing on corpses, lice on corpses, lice crawling all over their crawling all over their skin, noise from artillery skin, noise from artillery shells, snipers, the shells, snipers, the stench of raw sewage stench of raw sewage and rotting flesh, and and rotting flesh, and mud.mud.


As one soldier recalled, As one soldier recalled, “The men slept in mud, “The men slept in mud, washed in mud, ate mud, washed in mud, ate mud, and dreamed mud.”and dreamed mud.”

The anxiety of being in a The anxiety of being in a front line trench was so front line trench was so great, armies were great, armies were constantly rotating constantly rotating soldiers from the reserve soldiers from the reserve trenches in order to trenches in order to reduce mental burnout.reduce mental burnout.

Trench WarfareTrench Warfare

And a new And a new psychological psychological disorder was disorder was documented: documented: shell shockshell shock, which , which rendered some rendered some men blind, some men blind, some deaf, and some deaf, and some totally paralyzed.totally paralyzed.

Life in the TrenchesLife in the Trenches Soldiers were fairly well protected in Soldiers were fairly well protected in

the trenches, but unfortunately both the trenches, but unfortunately both sides insisted on periodically sending sides insisted on periodically sending their armies “their armies “over the topover the top” into “no ” into “no man’s land” to assault enemy man’s land” to assault enemy trenches.trenches.

These were often little more than These were often little more than suicide missions as soldiers got caught suicide missions as soldiers got caught on the barbed wire, hit land mines, or on the barbed wire, hit land mines, or were cut down by machine gun fire. were cut down by machine gun fire. Often where you fell became your final Often where you fell became your final resting place.resting place.

Life in the TrenchesLife in the Trenches

Going “over the top.”Going “over the top.”

The Christmas Truce (1914)The Christmas Truce (1914)

Freezing rain in November and Freezing rain in November and December 1914 left both sides December 1914 left both sides struggling with flooded trenches and struggling with flooded trenches and appalling conditions.appalling conditions.

This led to a “live and let live” This led to a “live and let live” arrangement along much of the arrangement along much of the northern sector of the Western Front, northern sector of the Western Front, especially between British and German especially between British and German troops.troops.

The Christmas TruceThe Christmas Truce

December 24 brought a frost, hardening December 24 brought a frost, hardening the ground (and temporarily stopping the ground (and temporarily stopping the smell of decomposing bodies).the smell of decomposing bodies).

The Germans placed lighted Christmas The Germans placed lighted Christmas trees along their trenches and soldiers trees along their trenches and soldiers on both sides sang carols to each other.on both sides sang carols to each other.

Christmas morning when the fog lifted, Christmas morning when the fog lifted, the frost-covered trees glistened in the the frost-covered trees glistened in the sunlight.sunlight.



German troops during the Christmas German troops during the Christmas Truce.Truce.


All firing stopped. Men moved into No All firing stopped. Men moved into No Man’s Land. Gifts were exchanged Man’s Land. Gifts were exchanged (chocolate, tobacco, and cigarettes) and (chocolate, tobacco, and cigarettes) and both sides buried their dead.both sides buried their dead.

Soldiers played soccer…their hostility Soldiers played soccer…their hostility temporarily forgotten.temporarily forgotten.

Allied commanders insisted that such an Allied commanders insisted that such an event should never recur.event should never recur.

In the future, orders were given to shoot In the future, orders were given to shoot anyone caught trying to fraternize with the anyone caught trying to fraternize with the enemy.enemy.


Weapons of Mass DestructionWeapons of Mass Destruction

Poison GasPoison Gas FlamethrowersFlamethrowers ZeppelinsZeppelins AirplanesAirplanes TanksTanks CannonsCannons Machine GunsMachine Guns SubmarinesSubmarines

Poison GasPoison Gas It is generally believed that the It is generally believed that the

Germans were the first to use gas in Germans were the first to use gas in World War I, but it was actually the World War I, but it was actually the French (in August 1914).French (in August 1914).

They threw tear gas grenades to try to They threw tear gas grenades to try to slow the German advance…not deadly, slow the German advance…not deadly, but an irritant.but an irritant.

Poison GasPoison Gas•In October 1914 the Germans fired gas In October 1914 the Germans fired gas shells at the French that caused violent shells at the French that caused violent sneezing fits.sneezing fits.•The gas wasn’t designed to kill, it was The gas wasn’t designed to kill, it was supposed to incapacitate the enemy so supposed to incapacitate the enemy so they couldn’t hold their positions.they couldn’t hold their positions.

Poison GasPoison Gas Once both sides had literally dug into the Once both sides had literally dug into the

trench system, they looked for a way to trench system, they looked for a way to bring movement back to their campaigns.bring movement back to their campaigns.

Both sides wanted to develop a weapon Both sides wanted to develop a weapon so appalling that it would not only destroy so appalling that it would not only destroy the enemy front line, but also the will to the enemy front line, but also the will to maintain troops on that frontline.maintain troops on that frontline.

It was thought poison gas might even It was thought poison gas might even provoke a mutiny on the enemy frontline provoke a mutiny on the enemy frontline causing it to collapse.causing it to collapse.

Poison GasPoison Gas While trying to break the stalemate (Second Battle of While trying to break the stalemate (Second Battle of

Ypres in April 1915), Ypres in April 1915), Germany introduced poisonGermany introduced poison gasgas (chlorine) against the French and their Algerian (chlorine) against the French and their Algerian comrades. comrades.

When French sentries saw the yellow-green gas they When French sentries saw the yellow-green gas they thought the Germans had created a smokescreen to thought the Germans had created a smokescreen to hide their troop movement.hide their troop movement.

The French were ordered to the firing line of their The French were ordered to the firing line of their trench…the exact path of the chlorine gas.trench…the exact path of the chlorine gas.

Poison GasPoison Gas When the gas hit the French line, the men When the gas hit the French line, the men

fled in terror gasping for air (it burned the fled in terror gasping for air (it burned the throat and lungs and you could die of throat and lungs and you could die of asphyxiation) and the Germans had an asphyxiation) and the Germans had an easy time capturing territory.easy time capturing territory.

Now other nations that had a Now other nations that had a petrochemical industry could make petrochemical industry could make poison gases and blame the Germans for poison gases and blame the Germans for starting it.starting it.

Soon gas warfare was used by both sides.Soon gas warfare was used by both sides.

Poison GasPoison Gas A German Medic A German Medic

prepared for a prepared for a gas attack.gas attack.

A German A German messenger dog.messenger dog.

Poison GasPoison Gas In September 1915, responding to the In September 1915, responding to the

first German gas attack in April, the first German gas attack in April, the British formed “Special Gas Companies” British formed “Special Gas Companies” that also used chlorine gas.that also used chlorine gas.

British soldiers weren’t allowed to call it British soldiers weren’t allowed to call it gas…it was referred to as an “accessory.”gas…it was referred to as an “accessory.”

They launched their canisters at the They launched their canisters at the German lines but the wind shifted… German lines but the wind shifted… causing 2,000 British casualties and 7 causing 2,000 British casualties and 7 deaths.deaths.

Poison GasPoison Gas

Poison GasPoison Gas Phosgene and mustard gas quickly Phosgene and mustard gas quickly

followed. Military technicians quickly followed. Military technicians quickly countered with the improved gas countered with the improved gas masks.masks.

Poison GasPoison Gas Phosgene gas (18 Phosgene gas (18

times more times more powerful than powerful than chlorine) had little chlorine) had little immediate effect immediate effect on soldiers, but on soldiers, but within 24-48 within 24-48 hours, you would hours, you would be incapacitated. be incapacitated.

It also caused a It also caused a painful death from painful death from asphyxiation.asphyxiation.

Poison GasPoison Gas The most lethal was mustard gas (it The most lethal was mustard gas (it

smelled like mustard), which blistered smelled like mustard), which blistered the body inside and out and mucous the body inside and out and mucous membranes were stripped off the membranes were stripped off the bronchial tubes.bronchial tubes.

The Germans first used it against the The Germans first used it against the Russians in September 1917.Russians in September 1917.

The pain was almost unendurable and The pain was almost unendurable and could last for five weeks.could last for five weeks.

If you survived, your body was forever If you survived, your body was forever scarred and you were often blinded. scarred and you were often blinded.



In one ten day period, the Germans In one ten day period, the Germans fired over 1,000,000 shells containing fired over 1,000,000 shells containing over 2,500 tons of mustard gas at the over 2,500 tons of mustard gas at the Allies.Allies.

The British would use mustard gas at The British would use mustard gas at the end of the war (Hitler was the end of the war (Hitler was temporarily blinded by a mustard gas temporarily blinded by a mustard gas attack less than a month before the attack less than a month before the armistice).armistice).


Victims of mustard gas.Victims of mustard gas.

Poison Gas and Chemical WarPoison Gas and Chemical War

While gas masks cut down on the While gas masks cut down on the casualties from gas attacks, gas was casualties from gas attacks, gas was another sign that modern warfare had another sign that modern warfare had become an increasingly inhumane become an increasingly inhumane business. business.

Gas also added a new element of fear Gas also added a new element of fear to warfareto warfare..

By the end of the war, 91,000 men had By the end of the war, 91,000 men had been killed and 1.3 million had been been killed and 1.3 million had been wounded by gas.wounded by gas.

A Gas AttackA Gas Attack

The FlamethrowerThe Flamethrower Another Another German chemical “innovationGerman chemical “innovation” ”

was the was the flamethrowerflamethrower. It could send a . It could send a stream of flames 25-30 yards and stream of flames 25-30 yards and incinerate anything in its path.incinerate anything in its path.

The FlamethrowerThe Flamethrower The Germans had been developing The Germans had been developing

flamethrowers (flamethrowers (FlammenweferFlammenwefer) since ) since 1900 and had three specialist 1900 and had three specialist battalions since 1911.battalions since 1911.

Initially used against the French, then Initially used against the French, then the British, 6-man teams would clear the British, 6-man teams would clear forward defenders at the start of a forward defenders at the start of a German attack. German attack.

There were 650 known German There were 650 known German attacks with flamethrowers but it is attacks with flamethrowers but it is unknown how many soldiers were unknown how many soldiers were killed by this weapon.killed by this weapon.

Troops using a flamethrowerTroops using a flamethrower

The insignia of German soldiers who The insignia of German soldiers who used flamethrowers. They were used flamethrowers. They were despised and despised and nevernever taken prisoner. taken prisoner.

ZeppelinsZeppelins

World War I saw the World War I saw the beginning of air beginning of air warfarewarfare. .

Nearly all Nearly all combatants had combatants had some form of airshipsome form of airship—essentially —essentially powered balloons.powered balloons.

Most were used for Most were used for surveillance and surveillance and reconnaissance.reconnaissance.

ZeppelinsZeppelins German dirigibles (known German dirigibles (known

as Zeppelins) were the as Zeppelins) were the best (and most famous).best (and most famous).

They could quickly climb They could quickly climb to an altitude beyond to an altitude beyond most fighters (over most fighters (over 10,000 ft), and their 10,000 ft), and their bomb carrying capacity bomb carrying capacity was greater than any was greater than any airplane.airplane.

ZeppelinsZeppelins

Zeppelins raided London and the English Zeppelins raided London and the English coastline 52 times, starting in January coastline 52 times, starting in January 1915. 1915.

Over a two year period, more than 500 Over a two year period, more than 500 people were killed by the bombs dropped people were killed by the bombs dropped by the Zeppelins. by the Zeppelins.

ZeppelinsZeppelins•Overall, they didn’t Overall, they didn’t do much damage but do much damage but they scared a lot of they scared a lot of people.people.

•They had a rigid They had a rigid steel frame and were steel frame and were filled with highly filled with highly flammable hydrogen flammable hydrogen gas (an obvious gas (an obvious problem for a slow-problem for a slow-moving target).moving target).

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I Airplanes also made their debut in Airplanes also made their debut in

World War I. World War I. Less than twelve years after their Less than twelve years after their

invention, invention, planes were used mainly to planes were used mainly to scout enemy positions, especially scout enemy positions, especially artillery positions.artillery positions.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I Initially, pilots had to shoot at enemy Initially, pilots had to shoot at enemy

airplanes with hand pistols or rifles airplanes with hand pistols or rifles because engineers hadn’t figured out because engineers hadn’t figured out how to mount and shoot a machine how to mount and shoot a machine gun without ripping up the plane’s gun without ripping up the plane’s propeller. propeller.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I Once that was figured out, machine Once that was figured out, machine

guns were mounted in front of the guns were mounted in front of the pilot. In some two-seat planes, guns pilot. In some two-seat planes, guns were also mounted at the rear.were also mounted at the rear.

During the war, the average life During the war, the average life expectancy for a pilot was about two expectancy for a pilot was about two months. Many went into battle with months. Many went into battle with less than 18 hours of flight time under less than 18 hours of flight time under their belts.their belts.

By 1917, the life expectancy for a By 1917, the life expectancy for a British pilot was down to 11 days.British pilot was down to 11 days.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I This is the British This is the British B.E. 2B.E. 2 called “The Quirk” called “The Quirk”

because it was hard to maneuver. This plane because it was hard to maneuver. This plane carried most of the burden of photographing carried most of the burden of photographing German trenches for the first two years of German trenches for the first two years of the war. Max speed: 72mph.the war. Max speed: 72mph.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I This is the German This is the German Aviatik C.1Aviatik C.1. Starting in . Starting in

1915, it became the principal German plane 1915, it became the principal German plane for air reconnaissance. Max speed: 89mph.for air reconnaissance. Max speed: 89mph.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I This is one of the most famous planes of WWI: This is one of the most famous planes of WWI:

the British the British Sopwith CamelSopwith Camel.. The The Sopwith CamelSopwith Camel shot down the most shot down the most

enemy aircraft for the Allies. Top speed 113 enemy aircraft for the Allies. Top speed 113 mph.mph.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I

The German The German FokkerFokker. Germany’s best . Germany’s best plane in a dogfight. Flown by the plane in a dogfight. Flown by the “Red Baron” and his “Flying Circus” “Red Baron” and his “Flying Circus” squadron, they had over 300 Allied squadron, they had over 300 Allied kills.kills.

The Red BaronThe Red Baron Baron Manfred von Richthofen (the Baron Manfred von Richthofen (the

infamous “Red Baron”) had over 80 infamous “Red Baron”) had over 80 kills before being shot down (April kills before being shot down (April 1918). He was the most successful 1918). He was the most successful fighter pilot of the war (and Snoopy’s fighter pilot of the war (and Snoopy’s arch-enemy) .arch-enemy) .

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I Because the Zeppelin raids hadn’t Because the Zeppelin raids hadn’t

changed the course of the war, the changed the course of the war, the Germans began using the Germans began using the StaakenStaaken as a as a long-range bomber of civilian targets. long-range bomber of civilian targets. They could carry over 4,000 lbs. of They could carry over 4,000 lbs. of bombs.bombs.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I The British counterpart to the The British counterpart to the Staaken Staaken

was the was the Hadley Page 0/400Hadley Page 0/400. Top . Top speed: 97 mph. It could carry 2,000 speed: 97 mph. It could carry 2,000 lbs. of bombs.lbs. of bombs.

Aircraft of World War IAircraft of World War I Airplanes did not alter the course of Airplanes did not alter the course of

the war, but they did the war, but they did lay the lay the groundwork for the development of a groundwork for the development of a modern air force,modern air force, as most military as most military strategists realized their future strategists realized their future potential.potential.

Varieties of WWI AircraftVarieties of WWI Aircraft

The TankThe Tank Unlike the airplane, another new weapon, Unlike the airplane, another new weapon,

an an armored land battleship called the armored land battleship called the tanktank, came closer to decisive success. , came closer to decisive success. Invented by the British (1916), the tank Invented by the British (1916), the tank was rushed into battle too soon, in small was rushed into battle too soon, in small numbers, and before mechanical tests numbers, and before mechanical tests could be completed. could be completed.

The TankThe Tank Tanks were known as “Land Tanks were known as “Land

Battleships” and ‘The Chariots of God.’Battleships” and ‘The Chariots of God.’ At first, they were giant blocks of At first, they were giant blocks of

metal that could only carry 1-2 men metal that could only carry 1-2 men and travel at about 4 miles per hour.and travel at about 4 miles per hour.

TanksTanks Although these beasts were powerful, Although these beasts were powerful,

they were not very reliable. Most broke they were not very reliable. Most broke down and a good example is the battle down and a good example is the battle of Amiens. The British sent 525 tanks, of Amiens. The British sent 525 tanks, and after four days, only 25 were left in and after four days, only 25 were left in working order. working order.

TanksTanks By 1917, Allied tanks had been By 1917, Allied tanks had been

improved to the point where 300 broke improved to the point where 300 broke through the German lines at the Battle through the German lines at the Battle of Cambrai (in northern France).of Cambrai (in northern France).

TanksTanks But scientists and engineers kept But scientists and engineers kept

making new and improved tanks and by making new and improved tanks and by 1918 the Anglo-American Mark VIII 1918 the Anglo-American Mark VIII “Liberty” could carry 8-12 men, fire 208 “Liberty” could carry 8-12 men, fire 208 shells and up to 13,000 bullets. It shells and up to 13,000 bullets. It remained in service until 1934. Top remained in service until 1934. Top speed: 6.5 mph.speed: 6.5 mph.

TanksTanks The Renault The Renault

(French) tank…(French) tank…the first to have the first to have a gun turret.a gun turret.

The German A7V7 The German A7V7 (Germany’s only (Germany’s only WWI tank entered WWI tank entered the war Spring the war Spring 1918). 1918).

Field ArtilleryField Artillery

Never in the history of humankind, Never in the history of humankind, were there so many pieces of were there so many pieces of artillery used in one war. Between artillery used in one war. Between 1914-1918, the 1914-1918, the British alone fired British alone fired over 170 million shells.over 170 million shells.


For years, German For years, German scientists were busy scientists were busy developing the biggest developing the biggest artillery pieces ever artillery pieces ever known. known.

The biggest was called The biggest was called the “the “Paris Gun.Paris Gun.” ”

The “Paris Gun” was so The “Paris Gun” was so powerful, it could fire at powerful, it could fire at the heart of Paris from the heart of Paris from over 75 miles away over 75 miles away (Coriolis effect).(Coriolis effect).

Field ArtilleryField Artillery The The Paris GunParis Gun fired a fired a

210 lbs shell from its 210 lbs shell from its 92 ft. barrel. 92 ft. barrel.

The shell could go 81 The shell could go 81 miles and hit an miles and hit an altitude of 25 miles altitude of 25 miles (the greatest height a (the greatest height a human-made human-made projectile reached projectile reached until the “V” rockets until the “V” rockets of WWII). of WWII).


The Germans used it towards the end The Germans used it towards the end of the war (March-August 1918).of the war (March-August 1918).

A total of approx 350 shells were fired A total of approx 350 shells were fired (no more than 20 a day), killing about (no more than 20 a day), killing about 250 people and wounding about 620.250 people and wounding about 620.

It was more a psychological weapon It was more a psychological weapon than a tactical one.than a tactical one.

Field ArtilleryField Artillery The German “The German “Big Big BerthaBertha” was the ” was the world’s largest and world’s largest and most powerful siege most powerful siege gun.gun.

Only four were ever Only four were ever produced, but all four produced, but all four saw action in the war.saw action in the war.

They were used to They were used to destroy forts and destroy forts and bombard cities.bombard cities.

Field ArtilleryField Artillery Transported by railroad flat cars or Transported by railroad flat cars or

by Daimler-Benz tractors, it took a by Daimler-Benz tractors, it took a 200-man crew over six hours to re-200-man crew over six hours to re-assemble the “Big Bertha” on site. assemble the “Big Bertha” on site.

The “Big Bertha” could fire a shell The “Big Bertha” could fire a shell weighing 2200 lbs almost 10 miles.weighing 2200 lbs almost 10 miles.

Field ArtilleryField Artillery The Austrian Skoda Howitzer was The Austrian Skoda Howitzer was

designed to be road-transportable.designed to be road-transportable. It took a crew of 12, and could be It took a crew of 12, and could be

assembled on site in as little as 40 assembled on site in as little as 40 minutes.minutes.

It fired an 850 lbs shell about 7.5 miles.It fired an 850 lbs shell about 7.5 miles.

Field ArtilleryField Artillery Artillery was not only thing that had been Artillery was not only thing that had been

improved. The shells were upgraded as improved. The shells were upgraded as well. Instead of ordinary shells, new high-well. Instead of ordinary shells, new high-explosive shells were developed. explosive shells were developed.

The shells were thin casings and were filled The shells were thin casings and were filled with tiny lead pellets. This was so effective, with tiny lead pellets. This was so effective, that artillery fire killed hundreds of that artillery fire killed hundreds of thousands of men. thousands of men.

Machine GunsMachine Guns During World War I the effectiveness of the During World War I the effectiveness of the

machine gun reached frightening new machine gun reached frightening new levels. levels.

Firing up to 600 bullets a minute (the Firing up to 600 bullets a minute (the equivalent of 250 men with rifles), machine equivalent of 250 men with rifles), machine guns were then deemed to be ‘guns were then deemed to be ‘weapons of weapons of mass destructionmass destruction’. ’.

Machine GunsMachine Guns When the war began, the Germans When the war began, the Germans

had over 12,000 machine guns (it had over 12,000 machine guns (it ballooned to over 100,000), the Allies ballooned to over 100,000), the Allies only a few hundred.only a few hundred.

Machine guns were responsible for the Machine guns were responsible for the most military deaths in WWI.most military deaths in WWI.

Submarine warfareSubmarine warfare The The war at sea proved to be as indecisive war at sea proved to be as indecisive

as the stalemate on the Western Frontas the stalemate on the Western Front.. Confident in Britain’s superior naval power, Confident in Britain’s superior naval power,

the Allies blockaded German ports.the Allies blockaded German ports. What was the strategy?What was the strategy? The Germans responded by setting a The Germans responded by setting a

blockade perimeter around the British Isles blockade perimeter around the British Isles and France, based on submarines.and France, based on submarines.

Neutral shipping became a target as well.Neutral shipping became a target as well.

Unterseeboot (U-Boats)Unterseeboot (U-Boats) The The German submarineGerman submarine (or undersea boat = (or undersea boat =

U-boat) gave the German navy an alternative U-boat) gave the German navy an alternative to conventional naval warfare.to conventional naval warfare.

Submarines could hide from the large British Submarines could hide from the large British navy by staying underwater. They could navy by staying underwater. They could sneak up on their victims, launch torpedo sneak up on their victims, launch torpedo attacks, and slide silently into the safety of attacks, and slide silently into the safety of the ocean depths.the ocean depths.

Unterseeboot (U-Boats)Unterseeboot (U-Boats)

Germany entered Germany entered the war with 28 the war with 28 submarines, and submarines, and built one, on built one, on average, every four average, every four days.days.

Germany had 370 U-Germany had 370 U-boats terrorizing the boats terrorizing the seas by the end of seas by the end of WWI. WWI.

German U-BoatsGerman U-Boats 274 U-boats had kills, 274 U-boats had kills,

and by the end of the and by the end of the war, nearly 6,600 war, nearly 6,600 ships (including ships (including 13,000,000 tons of 13,000,000 tons of cargo) had been sunk cargo) had been sunk by U-boats (including by U-boats (including 349 British naval 349 British naval warships)warships)..

German U-BoatsGerman U-Boats But there was a problem with submarine But there was a problem with submarine

warfare. warfare. U-boat commanders had a hard U-boat commanders had a hard time determining if the ship under attack time determining if the ship under attack was Allied or of a neutral countrywas Allied or of a neutral country (like (like the U.S.).the U.S.).

This was a serious problem because This was a serious problem because submarines gave no warning of attack, submarines gave no warning of attack, and passengers and crew, whether and passengers and crew, whether neutral or Allied, were often unable to neutral or Allied, were often unable to abandon ship before it sank.abandon ship before it sank.

British Q-ShipsBritish Q-Ships The obvious solution to the submarine The obvious solution to the submarine

problem, the Germans argued, was to problem, the Germans argued, was to have the subs surface to check the have the subs surface to check the target’s nationality and give the crews target’s nationality and give the crews a chance to abandon ship.a chance to abandon ship.

This worked for a few months until early This worked for a few months until early 1915 when the British began sending 1915 when the British began sending out out Q-shipsQ-ships. .

British Q-ShipsBritish Q-Ships

Designed to look like merchant ships Designed to look like merchant ships (i.e. decoys designed to fake the (i.e. decoys designed to fake the Germans out), Q- ships were heavily Germans out), Q- ships were heavily armed. So when U-boats surfaced to armed. So when U-boats surfaced to give warning, Q-ships suddenly opened give warning, Q-ships suddenly opened fire.fire.

There were 366 Q-ships (61 were lost) There were 366 Q-ships (61 were lost) but they sunk 14 U-boats and damaged but they sunk 14 U-boats and damaged 60.60.

Gun on a Q-shipGun on a Q-ship

Q-ShipsQ-Ships To safeguard against sinking neutral To safeguard against sinking neutral

ships, the Germans declared a “ships, the Germans declared a “war war zonezone” around Britain and Ireland, ” around Britain and Ireland, declaring all ships in that zone would declaring all ships in that zone would be considered enemy vessels and be considered enemy vessels and sunk.sunk.

After nearly 18 months, Germany After nearly 18 months, Germany decided to resume U-boat attacks decided to resume U-boat attacks without warning (without warning (unrestricted unrestricted submarine warfaresubmarine warfare). This greatly ). This greatly angered the U.S.angered the U.S.

Battle of Jutland Battle of Jutland The only major naval battle of the war The only major naval battle of the war

occurred in May 1916 and was in the North occurred in May 1916 and was in the North Sea off the coast of Denmark.Sea off the coast of Denmark.

Neither side scored a “knock-out,” so for all of Neither side scored a “knock-out,” so for all of their posturing before the war, the naval their posturing before the war, the naval arms race did not have an effect on the war’s arms race did not have an effect on the war’s outcome.outcome.

Gallipoli (Dardanelles Campaign)Gallipoli (Dardanelles Campaign) When Turkey (Ottoman Empire) entered the war in When Turkey (Ottoman Empire) entered the war in

November 1914, the British, under orders from November 1914, the British, under orders from Winston Churchill, wanted to find a way to knock the Winston Churchill, wanted to find a way to knock the Turks out plus find a way to supply the Russians Turks out plus find a way to supply the Russians through the Black Sea.through the Black Sea.

In February 1915, the British tried to crush the Turks. In February 1915, the British tried to crush the Turks. But the Turks showed fierce and effective resistanceBut the Turks showed fierce and effective resistance. . HMS IrresistibleHMS Irresistible sinking and abandoned at sinking and abandoned at Gallipoli.Gallipoli.

Gallipoli (Dardanelles Campaign)Gallipoli (Dardanelles Campaign) The ensuing battles The ensuing battles

which lasted until which lasted until January 1916 (known as January 1916 (known as Gallipoli), cost the Gallipoli), cost the British nearly 500,000 British nearly 500,000 casualties (almost casualties (almost 50,000 dead), and the 50,000 dead), and the British had to withdraw British had to withdraw without gaining without gaining anything. anything.

This crushed Allied This crushed Allied morale and almost cost morale and almost cost Winston Churchill his Winston Churchill his political career.political career.

VerdunVerdun Trying to break the stalemate and crush Trying to break the stalemate and crush

French morale, the Germans (led by French morale, the Germans (led by Crown Prince William) in February 1916 Crown Prince William) in February 1916 attacked the French fortified city of attacked the French fortified city of Verdun (125 miles east of Paris near the Verdun (125 miles east of Paris near the German border). German border).

Both France and Germany considered Both France and Germany considered Verdun strategically important.Verdun strategically important.

VerdunVerdunThe Battle of Verdun became the The Battle of Verdun became the longest, bloodiest battle of the war.longest, bloodiest battle of the war.

VerdunVerdun

The Germans used The Germans used their “Big Bertha” their “Big Bertha” guns to pound the guns to pound the city. city.

At one point, the At one point, the Germans fired as Germans fired as many as one million many as one million shells a day into shells a day into Verdun. Verdun.

VerdunVerdun

While it looked like the Germans While it looked like the Germans would win, the French put up a good would win, the French put up a good fight (“They shall not pass!”) and the fight (“They shall not pass!”) and the battle became another drawn out battle became another drawn out stalemate. French resolve here stalemate. French resolve here became legendary. became legendary.

In 10 months of fierce fighting, the In 10 months of fierce fighting, the French lost over 350,000 men and French lost over 350,000 men and the Germans lost over 330,000.the Germans lost over 330,000.

The SommeThe Somme While Verdun raged throughout most While Verdun raged throughout most

of 1916, the Allies opened a massive of 1916, the Allies opened a massive front designed to break the stalemate front designed to break the stalemate and the German lines at the Somme .and the German lines at the Somme .

Despite a weeklong artillery Despite a weeklong artillery bombardment, the British lost 60,000 bombardment, the British lost 60,000 men the first day (nearly 20,000 men the first day (nearly 20,000 killed). This was the worst single day killed). This was the worst single day in British military history.in British military history.

The SommeThe Somme In one week, the In one week, the

British had British had advanced only one advanced only one mile along a six mile along a six mile front.mile front.

In a month, the In a month, the British had British had advanced less than advanced less than three miles.three miles.

The SommeThe Somme In the three months the battle was In the three months the battle was

fought, Britain gained less than seven fought, Britain gained less than seven miles at a cost of over 400,000 men, the miles at a cost of over 400,000 men, the French lost 200,000, and the Germans French lost 200,000, and the Germans lost nearly 500,000 men.lost nearly 500,000 men.

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine The German potato crop of 1915 was The German potato crop of 1915 was

three times the norm. The surplus three times the norm. The surplus was so large that farmers had to was so large that farmers had to scramble for places to store it. scramble for places to store it.

Because of the war effort, most of Because of the war effort, most of the warehouses were full of war the warehouses were full of war material or ammunition.material or ammunition.

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine The German government then decided The German government then decided

to store potatoes in the warm to store potatoes in the warm basements of public buildings, basements of public buildings, including schools. including schools.

After all available space was filled, After all available space was filled, there were still too many potatoes. there were still too many potatoes. Farmers fed them to cattle. Distillers Farmers fed them to cattle. Distillers made more schnapps. Many went to made more schnapps. Many went to waste.waste.

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine

After two-three months, students and After two-three months, students and teachers noticed a terrible smell coming teachers noticed a terrible smell coming from the basements below them.from the basements below them.

It was discovered that the potatoes It was discovered that the potatoes were rotting. By the spring of 1916, were rotting. By the spring of 1916, schools had to close for “schools had to close for “stench stench vacationsvacations”. ”.

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine People thought the potatoes rotted People thought the potatoes rotted

because of the warm buildings. In because of the warm buildings. In actuality, it was because of the actuality, it was because of the infection infection of a fungusof a fungus. Most of the surplus was . Most of the surplus was ruined.ruined.

The fungus spores were in the soil, so The fungus spores were in the soil, so next year’s potato crop was almost next year’s potato crop was almost totally destroyed.totally destroyed.

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine

This could have been easily prevented This could have been easily prevented by the use of copperby the use of copper fungicides, which fungicides, which protect the potato from fungus. protect the potato from fungus.

But all But all German copper was used to German copper was used to make brass ammunition for the warmake brass ammunition for the war. .

So by the fall of 1917, Germans were So by the fall of 1917, Germans were waiting in line for turnips or whatever waiting in line for turnips or whatever food was available (this became food was available (this became known as the known as the Turnip WinterTurnip Winter).).

The German Potato FamineThe German Potato Famine The few potatoes unaffected by the The few potatoes unaffected by the

blight were sent to feed the troops. blight were sent to feed the troops. More than More than 700,000 German civilians700,000 German civilians died died

of starvation or due to disease related to of starvation or due to disease related to starvationstarvation between 1916 and 1917. between 1916 and 1917.

The deaths of loved ones at home The deaths of loved ones at home weakened the German Army’s morale. weakened the German Army’s morale. Several historians consider this famine Several historians consider this famine and the resulting low morale a major and the resulting low morale a major contributing factor in the collapse of contributing factor in the collapse of Germany’s army in the late Fall of 1918.Germany’s army in the late Fall of 1918.

Documents

The Great War World War I August 1914-November 1918