WW1

When WWI began in August 1914, most European powers expected a short, decisive war. Germany, in particular, had a detailed strategy for a quick victory: the Schlieffen Plan. Devised by Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen, and later modified by Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, this plan was based on the premise that Germany would likely face a two-front war against France in the west and Russia in the east.

When we talk about the Home Front in WW1, we're focusing on how the war impacted everyday life for civilians and the crucial roles they played. It wasn't just about the soldiers fighting; it was about entire nations mobilising their people and resources.

At the start of WWI, naval power was dominated by battleships, but the war quickly evolved into a struggle over supply lines and resources. Britain, with the world's largest navy, immediately imposed a naval blockade on Germany. This wasn't just about sinking warships; it was about preventing any goods, including food and raw materials, from reaching Germany and its allies.

Trench warfare became the dominant form of combat on the Western Front during World War I. Both sides dug extensive networks of trenches to protect themselves from artillery and machine-gun fire, leading to a stalemate that lasted for years. Life in these trenches was incredibly difficult, shaping the experiences of millions of soldiers.