First World War

Over 30 nations declared war between 1914 and 1918. Over 65 million men volunteered or were conscripted to fight in mass citizen armies and an estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians were left dead and countless others physically and psychologically wounded. 

The First World War was a war of innovation. Advances in weaponry and military technology provoked tactical changes as each side tried to gain an advantage over the other. Here are 10 important 'firsts' that happened during the First World War, the effects of which can still be felt today.

From the largest naval battle, and the longest battle, to the most painful and infamous battle, and the battle that marked the end of mobile warfare on the Western Front, discover 10 significant battles of the First World War that took place between 1914-1918.

Of all the varied parts of the world where British and Commonwealth forces were deployed during the First World War, Gallipoli was remembered by its veterans as one of the worst places to serve.

The Battle of Jutland (31 May - 1 June 1916) was the largest naval battle of the First World War. It was the only time that the British and German fleets of 'dreadnought' battleships actually came to blows. 

The Battle of Verdun (21 February to 15 December 1916) became the longest battle in modern history. It was originally planned by the German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn to secure victory for Germany on the Western Front. 

The Battle of the Somme (1 July to 18 November 1916) was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the First World War. The campaign was a joint operation between British and French forces intended to achieve a decisive victory over the Germans on the Western Front. For many in Britain, the resulting battle remains the most painful and infamous episode of the First World War. 

The Third Battle of Ypres - often called Passchendaele - has come to symbolise the loss and futility of the First World War. Fought in 1917, the battle was another attempt to win a decisive breakthrough on the Western Front. 

Explore the story of the crucial battles fought in the last months of the First World War. 

Germany was one of the Central Powers and joined the First World War following a declaration of war against Serbia by its ally, Austria-Hungary. The Germans began the First World War with high hopes of a quick victory, but enthusiasm soon evaporated.

In Britain and across the Empire people geared up to defeat the enemy. This effort required the tireless, and often willing participation of military and civilians to support the conflict.

In October 1914, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was at breaking point. The stage was set for a German victory. However, the 45,000 men of Indian Expeditionary Force A were about to arrive. Curator Alan Wakefield explores the vital contribution of the Indian Expeditionary Force.

When the First World War broke out in August 1914, the United States remained neutral, but neutrality became an impossibility as the conflict unfolded.

When war broke out in 1914, the British colonies in the West Indies quickly pledged their support to Britain in men, money and materials. King George V called for 'men of every class, creed and colour' to join the fight against Germany. 

In the autumn of 1918, Germany and its allies were exhausted. Their armies were defeated and their hungry citizens were beginning to rebel. As early as 29 September German General and Stategist Erich Ludendorff decided that a cessation of hostilities must be sought. 

On 11 November 1918, an armistice came into effect ending the war in Western Europe – but this did not mean the return of peace. The armistice was effectively a German surrender, as its conditions ended any possibility of Germany continuing the war. 

Find out about the deadly pandemic that swept the world in 1918 and hear the stories of those who witnessed the consequences. 

The First World War ended - but it did not mean an end to fighting in Europe.