The First World War was thought of at the time as the “war to end all wars”, but was soon reviled as a senseless slaughter that solved nothing and created problems that plagued the rest of the twentieth century. Understanding the causes, conduct and outcomes of World War I is essential to understanding the rise of modern nationalism, the Russian revolution and Bolshevism, the great depression of the 1930s, and the outbreak of World War II.

This course focuses on the First World War and its immediate aftermath, and will use a number of perspectives, including diplomatic, military, social and intellectual history. The course will also take an international and comparative approach to the war in order to acquaint students with the similarities and differences between the Australian, British, French, German, Russian and United States’ first experiences of modern total war. The course will end with an examination of the Treaty of Versailles and its legacies for the modern age.  

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the causes, conduct and outcomes of the First World War;
• Have an appreciation of the historical significance of the First World War to world and European history since 1914;
• Continue to develop strong research, writing and analytical skills, with particular reference to relevant primary sources;
• Gain an understanding of the impact of the Great War upon European, American and Australian societies both during and after the war;
• Be able to critically reflect upon the nature and development of the soldiering experience across time and space during the Great War.

The course is offered on campus via lectures (which will be streamed) and tutorials. The course will not be offered in 2009.

13 x 90 min lectures, weekly tutorials. Lectures will be streamed. Students will be expected to spend an average of seven hours per week outside these contact hours to prepare for tutorials and for research and writing of written work.