The Great War: 1914-1918

Concern for Germany's growing militarism, Kaiser Wilhelm II's obsession to match Britain's navy and the existence of the long established French and German war-plans only fuelled the air of instability in Europe.

1915 was to see warfare take on a new dimension with the bombing of British cities by Zeppelin airships. Germany also began U-Boat attacks on neutral shipping, a policy that would contribute to the United States entering the war.

In February the Germans began their assault on the forts at Verdun in a battle of attrition that would last until December. In the East the Russians launched an offensive to try and relief the pressure on the French.

Using `Storm Trooper' tactics, the Germans launched attacks against the British with devastating results. In just three weeks the Allies lost 400,000 men. General Haig issued his famous `Backs to the Wall' message to the troops.