1. Strategies and Battles of WWI We’re going to spend time analyzing maps and charts to get a better understanding of the battles and outcome of WWI

2. Remember, who’s on what side?
Allied Powers
Great Britain
___________
___________ (1917)
Central Powers
Germany
_____________
Question: If most of these nations had colonies like India, Australia, parts of Africa, etc. Do you think that they would support their home nation in battle?
Answer: YES! Colonies sent THOUSANDS of soldiers to Europe to help in the war effort.

3. Let’s talk strategy…
Based on the map, what advantages/disadvantages can you predict for each side of the war?

4. When the war broke out in 1914, instead of quickly jumping in and declaring war on the Triple Entente, Italy waited patiently and watched the conflict unfold. Their alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary wasn’t as strong as the others. In the spring of 1915, Italy….
Italy

5. WWI Theatre
The Western Front (France) remained unchanged for most of the war. Why do you think it rarely moved? (Think technology)
This image depicts a situation called a two-front war. What do you think that is? Who is fighting one? How do you think that will affect the outcome of the war?

6. Russia
Russia had struggled through much of the war. They didn’t have the industry or technology to keep up with the demands of the war. IE: Soldiers may have had guns, but no bullets.
Due to the Communist Revolution (we’ll cover that Thursday/Friday) the government of Russia is overthrown by its own people, and the new leaders sign an armistice (truce) with Germany, ending their involvement.

7. Just in time, the Americans arrive.
Just as the Russians were leaving the war, the Americans arrived in Europe and pushed the battle back towards German lines.
In about a year and a half the war was over, with the Central Powers surrendering on 11/11/1918
Now the biggest question was whether the Central Powers should be punished or let off easily in the peace treaty…
What do you think?

8. The Tolls of War… Central Powers Green is Bulgaria Allied Powers
Dark blue is the USA
White is other

9. Tolls of War.. Continued…
Keep in mind this DOESN’T include civilians.

10. Other effects Birth rates plummet in Europe
21 Million die from Spanish Influenza outbreak
Mass psychological damage (Shell shock, PTSD) results in an increase in stress on families.
Millions more come home with life long struggles due to lost limbs or other permanent disabilities.
Drops in church attendance in Europe

11. Closure question…
WWI/The Great War was widely regarded as “The War to End All Wars”. Although we know today that this wasn’t true think of three reasons why it might have earned this label at the time. Do you think that name is fitting? Write your answer of a scrap sheet of paper.