1. General Information
Four investigations looking at various aspects of life in the First World War have been created. Each has been designed to work as a separate entitity although they can be combined to look at different elements of the conflict. All resources use material held by Archives and Special Collections, Durham University Library including papers and diaries of officers taking part in the War, printed material, official orders and photographs.
Archival material by its very nature can be difficult to access. Handwriting can sometimes appear illegible, the language of the past can be difficult to understand and perspectives have changed. In an attempt to overcome these problems, each source is accompanied by a transcript and useful background and contextual information has been provided. A timeline covering the major events of the First World War is included and a glossary exists for each resource.
2. Contents and use of resources
What was it really like to fight in the First World War? This resource focuses on the debate about what life was like for men serving in the First World War. Since the 1960s the emphasis has been on the awful conditions, the terrible casualty rates and on the stupidity and cowardice of the ‘butchering and bungling’ generals. By looking at what life was like in the front line trenches and what it was like away from the front, this resource aims to inject some sense of balance. Find out more.
What was it like to fight in the Battle of the Somme? Some personal experiences. The Battle of the Somme is infamous. Practically everybody has heard of it and is aware of the terrifically high casualties sustained on the opening day of the campaign. However, historians have now opened up the debate on the Somme asking whether it really was as bad as recently depicted. This resource aims to contribute to this debate by looking at a number of different experiences of men taking part. Go to this resource.
What was trench warfare? The First World War is synonymous with the use of trenches but what was trench warfare really like? This resource looks at the theory behind the use of trenches, the reality of actually fighting from them and uses a case study focusing on the attack on Gavrelle trench in May 1917 to find out. Go to this resource.
What impact did new technology have on the First World War? The First World War witnessed many new technological developments such as the use of aircraft, developments in artillery techniques, changes in methods of communication and the use of gas. This resource looks at these developments and asks what impact they had. Find out more.
3. Curriculum Links
These resources have been developed to work at both KS 3 and KS 4. They might form part of Unit 18: Hot War, Cold War or fit into the various GCSE courses on this subject.
4. Visits
If you are interested in visiting the archive to see these documents or would like to bring in a group for a study session please contact the Education Officer who can offer advice and make arrangements.
5. Credits
Thanks to Alistair Fraser and Keith Bartlett for their assistance in the creation of these resources.
