history 410/ contemporary history

Discussion: The First Total War     

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 2, 4
• Lesson
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)

Post Instructions
World War I is  different from most other wars in that it was not a direct result of  aggression by one entity towards another, notwithstanding the  assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian elements.  Instead, it was the consequence of a number of forces amidst a  disruption of the tenuous balance of power in Europe.

Select and address one of the following:

• Option 1: Identify two forces that lead to WWI. Examine how they contributed to the outbreak of war.
• Option 2: Select a major battle such as Verdun, Marne,  Ypres, or the Somme and chronicle that battle. Add further details about  the battles. 
  • What was the main strategy? What were they trying to accomplish?
  • How did leaders influence and mobilize troops?
  • What were the main consequences of the result?