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The Great War

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There can be no more tragic example of the failure of military theory to prepare soldiers and sailors for the next war than that in vogue prior to the Great War of 1914-1918. Most military leaders optimistically believed that an offensive tactical doctrine and an efficient mobilization plan would bring about a quick and decisive victory. In fact, the offensive spirit and rapid mobilization plunged Europe into four years of bloody attrition that ended in an unstable and inconclusive peace. The Great War was fought on such an unprecedented scale that both political and military leaders were incapable of directing its course. Both the war itself and the monstrous battle engagements of which it was composed assumed a life and will of their own. The war became a juggernaut that had to be fueled but could not be stopped...With the outbreak of general war on the European Continent, life throughout the world would change - imperceptibly at first, perhaps, but irreversibly. -- Adapted from the Introduction.

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Summary Note

There can be no more tragic example of the failure of military theory to prepare soldiers and sailors for the next war than that in vogue prior to the Great War of 1914-1918. Most military leaders optimistically believed that an offensive tactical doctrine and an efficient mobilization plan would bring about a quick and decisive victory. In fact, the offensive spirit and rapid mobilization plunged Europe into four years of bloody attrition that ended in an unstable and inconclusive peace. The Great War was fought on such an unprecedented scale that both political and military leaders were incapable of directing its course. Both the war itself and the monstrous battle engagements of which it was composed assumed a life and will of their own. The war became a juggernaut that had to be fueled but could not be stopped...With the outbreak of general war on the European Continent, life throughout the world would change - imperceptibly at first, perhaps, but irreversibly. --
Adapted from the Introduction.

General Note

Supported by the book : Atlas for the Great War / series editor Thomas E. Griess.
Includes index.
The atlas was prepared by officer-instructors of the Department of History, United States Military Academy: James B. Agnew, Clifton R. Franks, and William R. Griffiths. Edward J. Krasnoborski and his assistants, Deanne Beckwith and George Giddings drafted the maps. This atlas is designed to support the new text, 'The Great War' by William R. Griffiths.

Content Note

This, the greatest of all wars, is not just another war - it is the last war!" -- The great wheel -- War in the East, 1914-1915 -- Deadlock and attrition on the Western Front, 1914-1916 -- Peripheral operations -- War in the East, 1916-1918 -- The search for mobility on the Western Front, 1917 -- The Ludendorff 'Peace Offensive," 1918 -- Counteroffensive to victory -- AFtermath : the unfinished war.