Image of a map of Europe 1914.

Source: Europe in 1914, Wikipedia

By the summer of 1914, there were two opposing alliances that were at war in Europe. The Central Powers (also known as the Triple Alliance) were made up of the German Empire, The Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The opposing alliance, Allied Powers (also called Triple Entente) was made up of the Great Britain, France, and the Russian Empire.

The summer of 1914 heated up with several major battles:

Image of four maps that depict the Battle of Frontiers from various fronts.

Source: Battle of Frontiers, Wikipedia

This map depicts the Battle of the Frontiers where 27,000 French soldiers were killed in one day as they advanced toward German borders.

Another important battle, The Battle of Tannenberg, saw a huge German victory on the Eastern Front against Russia. The photo below shows Russian soldiers who were taken prisoner by the Germans at the end of the battle.

Image of Russian prisoners and guns that were confiscated after the battle at Tannenberg

Source: Russian prisoners Tannenberg, Wikimedia

The beginning of an important method of warfare emerged in 1914. Soldiers began digging trenches where soldiers lived and fought. This photo shows French soldiers living in the trenches.

Image of a trench with several soldiers underneath, while other soldiers stand around the perimeter.

Source: French Trench Battle, Wikipedia

Activity

Answer the following question in your notes.

  1. Examine the photo above. List three activities that you observe (hint: what are people doing - look closely!).
  2. Why do you think that trench warfare was used in this war?
  3. Based on the photo, what are the advantages of trench warfare? What are the disadvantages?