The First World War looms large over any history of the Twentieth Century. In many ways, we are still living with decisions that were made during this time, particularly in the Middle East.

CAUSES

There are four MAIN long-term causes of World War I:

Militarism
Alliances
Imperialism
Nationalism

and then Austria’s ABUSE of German support during the July Crisis:

Assassination
Blank Cheque
Ultimatum
Serbia’s reply
Escalation to War

COURSE

It is impossible to cover the full four years in any sort of detail. Usual topics for students to cover include:

the race to the sea
development of trench warfare
key battles
life in the trenches
homefronts
turning points:
– entry of USA
– exit of Russia
– Spring Offensive of 1918 (Kaiserschlacht – Kaiser’s Battle)
– Allied Counter-Offensive (Hundred Days)

CONSEQUENCES