THE MAIN battle's OF WW1
- Tannenberg, August 1914. This was an engagement between Russia and Germany, in the early months of WW1. The battle resulted in the near complete destruction of the Russian second army. The following battles also demolished most of the Russian first army. The battle is prominent for the movements of the Germans, allowing them to focus against two Russian armies.
- Battle of the Marne, September 1914. The battle was an attempt to push the Germans away from Paris. it resulted in an allied victory and a German retreat, which lead to the 'Race to the Sea'. the battle also set the stage for four years of trench warfare on the Western Front.
- Gallapoli Campaign, April 1915-January 1916. The campaign was meant to secure a sea route between Russia and the allied powers, the eventual aim was to capture Constantinople (Istanbul). There was an attempted naval and amphibious attack, which were repelled, leading to the allied retreat in January 1916. The campaign was the greatest Ottoman victory during the war and a huge allied defeat.
- Verdun, February-December 1916. The Germans besieged Verdun and its surrounding forts. It was the longest battle of the first world war. The battle ended in a stalemate when the French recaptured the land they had lost in February.
- Battle of Somme, July-November 1916. The battle was fought by the British and French armies against the German Empire. it was an allied victory although they lost 623,907 men in the process. The first day of the battle resulted in the deaths of 58,000 British soldiers alone.
- Ypres, July-August 1917. This was a major offensive executed by the Allied forces to push back the Germans. The Allies made insignificant gains of territory. By August, after heavy losses, the allied attacks were called off. The battle cost over 500,000 people their lives.
- Battle of Caporetto, 0ctober-November 1917. The Austro-Hungarian forces, reinforces with German troops, attacked the Italian front line. The use of poisonous gas and quick infiltration tactics helped the Axis to rout and destroy the Italian second army.