I.
Of the 21 million people killed, 8 million were civilians. World War 1 was one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history, and was the worst war up to that time. During the war many of the soldiers either died or lost limbs and many civilians had their property stolen or destroyed.
II.
World War 1 lasted 4 years, 2 months, and 13 days. For most of the war soldiers had to stay in cramped trenches, where conditions were horrible. You had to worry about enemy snipers and soldiers who would sneak into your trench if you let your guard down. There were dead bodies, rats, and diseases. If you were attacking, you would charge over “no man’s land†where there was barbed wire and mud. Once you got closer to the enemy trench, they would unleash machine gun fire on you. Your commanders would send wave after wave, until you took the enemy trench. Usually only half of your men would return. If you were defending, days before the attack the enemy would send thousands of shells, and poison gas strikes at you. You would have to defend your trench until they retreated. 60-70 million people fought in the war and in France and Bulgaria over 20% of their populations either joined or were drafted. World War 1 was known as the “war to end all wars†by British author H.G. Wells, who thought that the League of Nations would prevent war from ever happening again. He was wrong. World War 1 ended nothing, in fact it is directly attributed to starting World War 2.
III.
In the end World War 1 cost the lives of 17,611,000 people. The war didn’t solve anything and it was one of the starting factors of World War 2. The World would only have to wait 25 years for another World War.
Gabriel, The research on this is wonderful.
The pictures certainly show how utterly horrific this war was. Of course, all wars are but before the camera the general public only had word-of-mouth knowledge. The camera drastically brought the reality of war into our living rooms.
You would think this would have dampened our desire to enter another fray. Far from it sadly.
When I was a little girl they would show pictures from World War II between movies at the theater.
In a way I think it just got us used to seeing the killing.
These were pictures sent to America from the front lines, which included the bombing of cities like London and others. Others were too graphic for a young girl to see. I realized that the war was going on even though I was only between the ages of 4 and 6.
My father was fighting in Japan, three of his brothers were fighting in Europe. One was killed getting off of the boats trying to land on the shore of France (Omaha Beach).
Living in the city of Richmond at the time my grandfather, who lost an eye fighting in WWI, lived down the street, would come up and get me. The reason was a short military parade was coming down the street. We would run out and cheer for them. Sadly they were young men getting ready to be shipped to either Japan or Europe.
Sad to report that at 80 years of age I have been witness to too many wars !
Thank you for sharing this!
Love 💕 Papa and Gramsey
Gabriel, Hope your speech went well.
Speaking in front of a group of peers or anyone, is difficult for most of us. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. It is a great skill to have.
â¤ï¸Gramsey