World War I

How World War I Was Fought

• Total War:
  • Mobilization of entire country (military & civilian).
  • Civilians as viable targets.
  • Propaganda: Motivate sacrifices, demonize enemies, intensify nationalism.
• Total War Strategies & Technologies:
  • New technologies led to deadly war (machine guns, chemical gas, tanks).
  • Trench warfare: Stalemate, high casualties, little progress.
  • Colonial troops & porters used (colonies resented).
• End of the War:
  • Lasted 4 years, caused destruction.
  • Turning point: US entry to Allied Powers (Britain & France) in 1917.
  • US initially neutral, joined after sinking of Lusitania and German attempts to incite Mexico.
  • Ended in 1918 with Treaty of Versailles.
  • Central Powers lost, Allied Powers won.