The Great War in Color: Vibrant Portraits of Courage and Conflict
April 19, 2024
Chemical Warfare Becomes a War Tactic at the Battle of Verdun
The First World War was one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. Spanning from 1914 to 1918, it shattered empires and took about 40 million military and civilian lives. From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the brutal trench warfare on the Western Front, the war saw the rise of many figures like General John J. Pershing and the Red Baron. Today, we'll take a look at some of the astounding moments from this tragic event.
The Battle of Verdun, fought from February 21 to December 18, 1916, was one of the most grueling battles of World War I. Located in northeastern France, Verdun's population suffered as French and German forces fought for dominance.
Because Verdun was located on the Meuse River, it became a strategically important town. The German High Command, under the belief that capturing Verdun would "bleed France white," launched a massive offensive aimed at breaking through French lines. What followed was an almost endless barrage of artillery fire, trench warfare, and close combat, turning the once-idyllic landscape into a nightmarish battleground.
The French, led by General Philippe Pétain, mounted a heroic defense, rallying troops under the motto "They shall not pass." Despite staggering casualties and non-stop bombardment, French resilience held firm, repelling wave after wave of German assaults. Gas masks became a necessary defense against the clouds of toxic gas unleashed by the Germans. The Battle of Verdun resulted in roughly 700,000 deaths.
The Disappearance of German Pilot Richard Scholl in September 1918
Richard Scholl was a German pilot whose story is both intriguing and mysterious. In September of 1918, during the last days of World War I, Scholl went on a routine reconnaissance mission over enemy territory. However, fate had other plans, and Scholl never returned.
His disappearance sparked a flurry of inquiries, yet the truth remains elusive even to this day. Some believe he fell victim to enemy fire, while others speculate that he may have been shot down and taken as a prisoner of war. Despite exhaustive searches and investigations, no trace of Scholl was ever found.
The Assassination That Started WWI: Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and His Wife, Sophie
On June 28, 1914, the world witnessed a tragic turn of events that would ultimately start World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, started their final journey from the Sarajevo Guildhall. Little did they know that within five minutes, their lives would be brutally cut short.
As they left the guildhall in an open-topped car, Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist affiliated with the Black Hand secret society, seized the opportunity to carry out his deadly mission. Princip fired his pistol, fatally striking both Franz Ferdinand and Sophie.
The assassination sent shockwaves across Europe, triggering a chain reaction of political tensions and military moves that ultimately plunged the continent into war. The tragic end of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie became the catalyst for one of the most catastrophic wars in human history.
Using Makeshift Periscopes to Gain Advantage at the Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme, fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, was one of the most bloody battles in World War I. Started as a joint British and French offensive against German forces entrenched along the Western Front, the battle tried to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun and break through enemy lines.
During the Battle of the Somme's trench warfare, soldiers used improvised periscopes to stay safe and watch for enemies. Originally for ships, periscopes were changed for land battles.
In the narrow trenches where soldiers were always at risk from snipers and bombs, these improvised periscopes became very important. They sat on top of the trench and let soldiers peek at the enemy without being seen. This meant soldiers could check for enemies without risking their lives. Soldiers could move their periscopes around to see everywhere. The periscope's mirrors and lenses made it easy to scan the area, helping soldiers spot any danger coming their way.
The Treaty of Versailles That Ended World War I, June 28, 1919
On June 28, 1919, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles took place at the Palace of Versailles in France. People from Germany and the Allied Powers, like the United States, Britain, and France, came together to officially end World War I.
After months of negotiations, Germany was forced to pay money, give up land, and limit its military. The treaty effectively placed the blame for the war squarely on Germany's shoulders.
Signing the Treaty of Versailles marked the end of a long and terrible war, but it also created anger, especially within Germany. This anger ultimately paved the way for the outbreak of World War II.
French Soldiers Take a Moment to Dine in Elegance
During World War I, life in the trenches was tough for soldiers on the Western Front. But sometimes, they found small moments of peace. This photo shows French soldiers taking a break from fighting and having a meal together, complete with flowers and a bottle of wine. Wine was probably a luxury during wartime, but for the French, it was a part of an everyday meal, like baguettes. The photo also reveals the importance of food in French culture.
Instead of hearing bombs and guns, the soldiers listened to stories. For a brief moment, the sounds of bombs and gunfire were replaced by laughter and conversation, offering a glimpse of normal life in the middle of the chaos of battle.
A Brief Truce and a Football Game at the Start of World War I, 1914
During the Christmas Truce of 1914 along the Western Front of World War I, soldiers on opposing sides experienced a moment of peace and solidarity. One of the most important moments of the Christmas Truce was seeing soldiers setting aside their conflicts to play a friendly game of football in no man's land. Soldiers from both sides came together, using empty tins or bundles of cloth as goalposts, and kicked around a ball. Besides the football game, the soldiers also exchanged seasonal greetings, gifts, food, and stories.
The truce came five months after the beginning of the war, in the days leading up to December 25. These pauses in the war followed the stalemate of the Race to the Sea and the uncertain result of the First Battle of Ypres. During the truce, commanders from both sides were forced to reassess their strategies.
Capturing the War: the War Cinema Crew Works on the Western Front
War cinema crew working on the Western Front
The War Cinema Crew working on the Western Front during World War I documented the realities of war and helped shape the public views of the conflict. Made up of filmmakers, photographers, and journalists, these individuals braved the dangers of the battlefield to capture the war scenes unfolding before them.
Armed with cameras and recording equipment, the War Cinema Crew provided a visual narrative of the war effort, offering audiences back home a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers. Their footage and photographs became powerful tools for propaganda, stirring emotions and rallying support for the war effort. Working under dangerous conditions, the crew faced constant danger from enemy fire, gas attacks, and trench warfare. Yet, their commitment to documenting the truth of war remained unwavering.
The National Filling Factory Produces Over 19 Million Shells for the Allied Front
Imperial War Museum/Flickr
The National Filling Factory at Chilwell in the U.K. supplied the front lines with ammunition and contributed to the Allied war effort. Women made up a large part of the workforce, earning the nickname 'canaries' due to the yellow stains TNT left on their skin. Shockingly, some even gave birth to babies with yellow skin, highlighting the dangers of toxic jaundice.
At 7:10 p.m. on July 1, 1918, an explosion rocked the National Shell Filling Factory. One hundred thirty-four workers died, and 250 workers were injured. It was the largest loss of life from a single accidental explosion during World War I. Despite the explosion, the Chilwell factory set a new record by filling 275,327 shells in a single week just two months after the explosion. By the war's end, the factory had produced over 19 million shells, accounting for more than half of all British shells fired on the Western Front.
Defeated German Soldiers Placed in Prisoner-Of-War Camps
As World War I came to an end, thousands of German soldiers found themselves placed in prisoner-of-war camps. These camps, scattered across various European countries, became temporary homes for soldiers who had been captured during battles. The arrival of these soldiers marked a shift in the wartime dynamic as nations transitioned from fighting on the battlefield to dealing with the aftermath of war.
For many German soldiers, the experience of being taken prisoner was both disheartening and uncertain. Separated from their fellow soldiers and thrown into unfamiliar surroundings, they faced an uncertain future. However, for some, the arrival at a prisoner-of-war camp was somewhat of a relief from the horrors of war, as there was safety and stability.
