Thinking of the First World War
 

On the 28th of June 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire) and his wife where assassinated. Sadly the assassination proved a trigger point that activated a series of complex military pacts and alliances that would quickly plunge Europe into the First World War.

Given the immense toll of death and suffering endured by people I think these events as much as any deserve a few moments of quiet reflection.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Very true.

And once again Germany runs Europe, the more things change...

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Have you noticed that they have started using the expression "The Great War" again ? The militarists today are not the Germans !

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Germans have little interest in military power and also distrustful of security services generally post-reunification. During the recent incidents with Edward Snowden the German media struggled to explain to Germans why telling the truth about spy activities had not provoked political action against spy agencies.

I would argue that of any country in Europe the UK has most military power and declining political stability in recent years which is souring relations with Europe. The situation is, needless to say, very different to the situation proceeding either war. Sadly despite the present political situation in the UK with respect to Europe it has opted to retain a stockpile of nuclear weapons as well as a large conventional force at great expense. As Germany engages with the EU and surrounding European countries the UK is becoming increasingly isolationist and politically fractured.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Germany has come to terms with the demons from its past. We cannot say that about London.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Living in the UK at the moment I find it truly scary how many political parties are using language used very successfully in the past by warmongers to create a 'them and us' dichotomy and a demonising of the vulnerable.

I find it humbling and awe inspiring how many people were willing to lay down their lives so I can have the life and opportunities that I do.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

100 years ago Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

How long before Russia performs blitzkrieg on it's western front.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

On the 11th of August Field Marshal Earl Kitchener asks for 100,000 men to swell the army, this was done in just two weeks.
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/PIX/kitchener.jpg

Most had probably assumed the war would be short.

It's easy to be jaded now about their nationalism, belief in empire and patriotic fervour but for them it really was the love that asked no questions.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Lest we forget.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

On the 19th of February, 1915 the British began the bombarded Turkish forts in the Dardanelles using naval ships. Sadly this did not go well and would eventually lead to the landing at Gallipoli by the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Having been delayed by two days by bad weather troops landed. Initially casualties where inflicted but the Turkish forces where not adequately numerous or well supplied to form a counter-attack. However the allies quickly lost momentum and failed to exploit the opportunity which allowed the Turks to regroup.

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Who was the aggressor ? The Ottoman Empire or the British Empire ?

Re: Thinking of the First World War
 

Well, the Turks didn't invade Britain or any of its imperial units, that's for sure!

My then girl-friend and I visited Gallipoli in 1965, as part of our backpacking adventure around the region. Its museum at that time was (from memory) a tatty little hut with a couple of rusty Enfield rifles inside, and a scruffy young shepherd who sold us a ticket for about a penny. The Turkish government at the time didn't regard the invasion as at all important. Since then, of course they've recognised the tourism opportunities in remembering what happened there.