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.

The most catastrophic revolt of all occurred in the Russian Army where hundreds of thousands of soldiers deserted. Germany moved many more troops to the Western Front.

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.