First World War

John Stocks Powell describes how conflict between Nationalists and Unionists was still unhealed when the First World War began.

In August 1918, writes John Terraine, the German High Command recognized the signs of defeat but four more fighting months passed before the armistice.

John Terraine describes how, in 1917, there was little to sustain German morale at home.

David Woodward describes insurrection in the Austro-Hungarian fleet on February 1st, 1918.

Imperial Britain appealed to the men of its colonies to come to the aid of the Mother Country during the First World War. Many did so but their contribution has not always been honoured, says Stephen Bourne.

The year 1913 marked a resurgence for the Russian empire as the Romanov dynasty celebrated its 300th anniversary and the economy boomed. Had it not been for the First World War the country’s fortunes might have taken a very different turn, says Charles Emmerson.

Cyril Falls describes how, from the problems left by the Balkan Wars, sprang the greater catastrophe that overwhelmed Europe in 1914.

Norman Stone introduces Von Hötzendorf, the last in a long line of Austrian commanders, and not the least able, who had the misfortune to believe that the First World War would save the Empire from disintegration.

Half a century after the drama of Verdun, Alistair Horne describes the Paris meeting of two of the battle heroes, Eugen Radtke and Gustave Durassie.

David Woodward introduces Alfred von Tirpitz; the creator of the German High Seas Fleet, who was also the advocate of unrestricted submarine warfare.