WWI - A Global Conflict (Lesson)

A Global Conflict.

The Eastern Front.

  • Was more of a war of movement than the west
  • Russians and the Serbs fought the Germans, Austrians, and Turks
  • At the beginning of the war, the Russians penetrated the German and Austrian borders
  • In August of 1914, the Germans pushed the Russians back at the Battle of Tannenberg
  • Russia is short of food, guns, boots and blankets, their only asset was their unlimited amount of soldiers
  • Despite lack of supplies, the Russians tied up 100,000's of Germans for more than three years, keeping them away from the western front
  • Revolution in Russia eventually resulted in Russia withdrawing from the war, signing the treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1917

 

War with the Ottoman Turks.

In October of 1914, the Ottoman Turks entered the war - opening a third front. The British and French attempted to take over the straits linking the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, hoping to open a supply link to Russia. What followed was the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign where, after a year of unsuccessfully trying to take control, the British are forced to give up. They then turned their attention to the Middle East hoping to rally the Middle Eastern Arabs to revolt against the Ottoman Turks controlling them. Lawrence of Arabia traveled throughout the Middle East, offering self-determination to the states if the revolt was successful. It works as Baghdad and Damascus come under Allied control. The campaign results in tensions within the Middle East for years afterward as the British do not uphold their end of the bargain at the end of the war.

 

War in Asia and Africa.

  • Japan declared war on Germany and took over German possessions in China and many Pacific island colonies.
  • British and French took German African possessions.

 

Colonies.

Each of the imperial nations called upon their colonies to provide troops and supplies for the duration of the war. Click here to download and read a USA Today article that discusses this a bit more in-depth. Links to an external site.

 

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