World War I: Causes and Warfare

Short-Term and Long-Term Causes of World War I

• Short-term causes: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, rising tensions between European powers.
• Long-term causes: Militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism, European competition for power, resources, and influence.

Australia's Response to World War I

• Declared support for Britain, automatically entered the war in 1914.
• Thousands of volunteers joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
• Significant contributions to major campaigns (e.g., Gallipoli, Western Front).
• Shaped Australian national identity.

Nature of Warfare in WWI

• Shift to modern, industrialized warfare.
• Characterized by trench warfare.
• Soldiers fought from entrenched positions.
• Stalemate resulted.
• New technologies (machine guns, tanks, airplanes, poison gas) caused devastating casualties.
• Predominantly defensive warfare with limited territorial gains.

Trench Warfare

• Soldiers fought from fortified ditches (trenches) for protection.
• Trenches stretched across battlefields.
• Long periods of stalemate.
• Soldiers faced harsh conditions: mud, rats, disease, constant threat of attacks.
• Goal: gain small strategic territories.
• High casualties and prolonged suffering.

Gallipoli Campaign

• Allied forces (including Australia and New Zealand) tried to capture the Dardanelles Strait.
• Objective: weaken the Ottoman Empire.
• Faced strong Turkish resistance.
• Heavy Allied casualties.
• Withdrawal without achieving objectives.
• Became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice for Australia and New Zealand, shaping their national identities.

Life in the Trenches

• Harsh and uncomfortable.
• Constant threats of enemy fire, artillery bombardment, snipers.
• Overcrowded, muddy trenches.
• Pests (rats, lice), diseases (dysentery).
• Unsanitary conditions.
• Limited food, extreme weather.
• Long periods of boredom, punctuated by violent combat.
• Mental strain ("shell shock," now PTSD) was widespread.
• Strong bonds of camaraderie.
• Remarkable resilience.

Industrial Revolution's Impact on Warfare

• Advanced weaponry (machine guns, artillery).
• New technologies (tanks, airplanes).
• Mass production of weapons and equipment.
• Steam-powered transportation improvements in logistics.
• More deadly, mechanized, large-scale warfare.

Motivation for Enlistment

• Patriotism, duty to country, social pressure.
• Adventure, camaraderie, steady income.
• Nationalistic pride, propaganda.
• Defending family and home.
• Peer pressure and a sense of adventure or duty.

Recruitment Posters

• Used to encourage enlistment during World War I.
• Patriotic messages, powerful imagery.
• Aimed to elicit feelings of duty and pride.
• Displayed in public spaces.
• Persuasive or sometimes shaming tactics used to increase enlistment.

Explore the short-term and long-term causes of World War I, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the rise of European tensions. Understand Australia's response to the war and the nature of modern warfare characterized by trench tactics and industrial technology. This quiz covers key aspects that shaped the conflict and its global impact.