The heartbreaking story of the flying mathematicians of World War I
On the trail of the men of Britain's Royal Aircraft Factory, who gave their lives to help create the world's first air force.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on World War I
Displaying 1 - 20 of 162 articles
The military, minorities and social engineering: A long history
Whether it be African-Americans, Catholics or transgender people, the armed forces have played a vital role in shaping US social policy toward the country's minorities.
‘Cheese-eating surrender monkeys’? It’s time to give the French Army the credit it deserves
The French Army's efforts in the world wars have long been maligned. Its soldiers deserve better.
‘Dancing the Death Drill’: historical fiction that tells us about today
What might be the purpose of historical fiction? Perhaps to the humble and subtle to recognise and pay tribute to lives that came before us.
Why World War I cultivated an obsession with insects
The first fully industrialised war prompted many to draw parallels between human society and the insect world.
Owen, Sassoon and Graves: how a golf club in Scotland became the crucible for the greatest war poetry
How academic sleuthing uncovered the Edinburgh setting for a historic meeting of three of the greatest war poets
The pigeons of Passchendaele – and why animals still suffer and die in modern conflicts
The humble carrier pigeon played a huge role in World War I and saved many lives. But despite huge technological advances, animals are still suffering and dying in modern wars.
What veterans’ poems can teach us about healing on Memorial Day
An Army veteran and professor of rhetoric explores poetry written by veterans about a divisive holiday born of the Civil War.
How World War I changed the weather for good
Weather forecasting stopped looking for patterns in the past, and started using numbers to look solidly at the future.
A lesson on the dangers of patriotism from a pacifist of World War I
A 1915 morality play by Vernon Lee makes a powerful critique of jingoist group-think.
The forgotten origins of the modern gay rights movement in WWI
In the winter of 1915, a German soldier died in a field hospital in Russia. We don't know his name, but he helped revolutionize the way gay people have advocated for equality.
How Woodrow Wilson’s propaganda machine changed American journalism
An executive order signed in 1917 created what's been called 'the nation's first ministry of information.' The media are still feeling its impact.
Stitching lives back together: men’s rehabilitation embroidery in WWI
Embroidery - often seen as women's work - was a common form of therapy for troops wounded in the first world war. One soldier, Albert Biggs, learned to sew with his left hand after his right arm was badly injured.
How Anzac Day came to occupy a sacred place in Australians’ hearts
In 1960, historian Ken Inglis wondered if Anzac functioned as a secular religion in Australian society. In 2017, we can confidently answer: yes, it does.
Discovered in WWI, bacterial viruses may be our allies in a post-antibiotic age
When commemorating our troops, doctors and nurses this Anzac Day, consider also tipping your hat to the discovery of bacteriophages. In the post-antibiotic era, our health might just depend on them.
How a more divided Turkey could change the way we think about Gallipoli
The Gallipoli campaign has, in recent years, increasingly become part of the culture wars in Turkey associated with the rise of political Islam.
Celebrated ‘English’ poet Edward Thomas was one of Wales’ finest writers
Poet Edward Thomas took from the traditions of Wales, and the beauty of the land to describe the horrors of war.
During World War I, a silent film spoke volumes about freedom of speech
During the war, fear of being undermined by the enemy sparked restrictions on freedom of speech. As a result, thousands of Americans were prosecuted.
How Christianity shaped the experience and memories of World War I
Writings at the time of WWI aimed to construct a religiously diverse and conflicted America into a virtuous, Christian nation. This narrative continued in the cemeteries for the war heroes.
1917: Woodrow Wilson’s call to war pulled America onto a global stage
Wilson coined the phrase 'America First' and appealed for 'peace without victory.' But on April 2, 1917 he asked Congress for a declaration of war. The impact on American foreign policy was profound.
Top contributors
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Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Monash University
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Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University
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Professor of Economics, University of Warwick
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Reader in Modern History, Brunel University London
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Director of Undergraduate Studies, School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
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Professor of Twentieth Century History, Goldsmiths, University of London
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Research Professor in the Australian Centre for the Study of Armed Conflict and Society, UNSW
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Professor in Media and Communication (Goldsmiths), Visiting Professor of Broadcast Journalism (Birmingham City University), Chair of Professional Standards Board, CIoJ., Goldsmiths, University of London
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Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies, Fashion, University of the Arts London
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Senior Lecturer in German, University of Leeds
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Senior Lecturer in Modern European History, Cardiff University
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Senior Lecturer in History in the School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle
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Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History, University of California, Los Angeles
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Honorary Associate, Department of History, University of Sydney
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Principal Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
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