HIST 410N WEEK 1: THE FIRST TOTAL WAR DISCUSSION

HIST 410N WEEK 1: THE FIRST TOTAL WAR DISCUSSION – World War 1 is said to have been the first ‘total’ war. What does that mean? And what does it mean for people and nations trying to pick up the pieces and resume normal life?

Class, I look forward to your thoughts on this…when considering the question, it might be helpful to consider what made World War I so unique…

Have any of you read All Quiet on the Western Front? If so, what does this book have to say about World War I? What historical value does it have for students and scholars of history?

HIST 410N WEEK 1: THE FIRST TOTAL WAR DISCUSSION

I read All Quiet on the Western Front more than thirty years ago, and few books have made such a lasting impression. The book is a gritty account of the horrific, agonizing, and devastating experiences of infantry soldiers during World War I. Today I believe the book is an excellent reminder of the harsh and lasting effects of war.

World War I is said to have been the first total war because the war included global involvement. World War I took place from 1914 to 1918.  It is referred to as the “Great War” because it caused lasting, significant economic and social changes in the United States and worldwide (Brower & Sanders, 2014).  During the war millions of men joined or were drafted for military duty. This lead to the necessity for women and people of color to enter the workforce to support the troops abroad and maintain their lives at home.  During the war, many soldiers died or were wounded (physically and mentally).  Many of the wounded soldiers that returned home had difficulty securing employment and resuming normal civilian life after the war.

The industrial revolution of the late 19th century did make the world smaller by changing the world economy. Goods were produced on a larger scale than before, which created more trade opportunities between countries.  Europe primarily benefited due to their numerous ports and surplus of coal. With the industrial revolution, populations moved from rural areas to cities to work in the factories, ultimately changing the demographic and populations of rural and urban areas.

HIST 410N WEEK 1: THE FIRST TOTAL WAR DISCUSSION References:

Brower, D., & Sanders, T. (2014). The world in the twentieth century (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Learning Solutions.

Chamberlain College of Nursing (2017). HIST410N Contemporary History. Week 1 lesson.