HIST 1010 Reading Notes Week 3

1. Describe the effect of the German gas attacks on the French and Canadian soldiers, pointing to specific parts of the New York Tribune articles. What is the overall tone of the articles toward the gas attacks? What does this suggest about the United States’ disposition in the First World War? ● Effect on the French and Canadian soldiers ○ The use of poison gas at Ypres on soldiers showed an immediate impact which cause physical distress through nassau and fainting, incapacitating soldiers as if they were paralyzed ■ “Its effect on the French was a violent nausea and faintness, followed by an utter collapse." (April 24, 1915) ■ "violent nausea and faintness" (April 25, 1915) ■ Germans “met no resistance at all, the French at their front being virtually paralyzed” (April 25, 1915) ○ The effects of the gas attacks on Canadian soldiers were not as fatal as the ones the French faces when depicted by the New York Times ■ Faced gas attacks twice but managed to withstand them, primarily due to unfavourable wind conditions ● “A favorable wind the sound of cannonading can be heard as far away as the coast towns.” (April 24, 1915) ■ Canadian forces suffered some losses from “the noxious, explosive gas bombs” (April 25, 1915) ● Overall tone of the articles toward the gas attacks is one of shock and condemnation ○ Describe the gas attacks as introducing a "new element into warfare" ○ Emphasises the devastating effects on the soldiers, including nausea, paralysis, and even death ■ Descriptions suggest that the use of poison gas was viewed with horror and a breach of the rules of war ● “contrary to the rules of The Hague Convention” ● Implications for the US's disposition in WW1 ○ The tone suggests that they viewed the use of poison gas by Germany as a reprehensible and inhumane act ■ Likely influencing the perception of the war and the disposition of the US in WW1 ○ Condemnation of the gas attacks aligns with the broader sentiment against the use of such weapons, contributing to the moral outrage against Germany's actions ■ Swayed public opinion and increased support for the Allied Powers ■ Portrayal of the gas attacks as a violation of established norms of warfare likely reinforced their stance as it considered its involvement later on 2. What does Tom Morgan’s article on the “Great Zeppelin Raid” suggest about the evolution of warfare by the time of the First World War? What conclusions can be reached about the pace of technological development and, with the benefit of hindsight,

in which direction things were moving? ● Suggestions about the evolution of warfare by the time of WW1 ○ Highlights the emergence of aerial warfare as a significant development in military strategy ■ Allowed for the ability to carry out air raids deep into enemy territory ■ “Zeppelins represented a new and previously unexplored dimension of warfare.” ● Suggests that the nature of warfare was evolving beyond the boundaries of land and sea battles ○ Emphasises the rapid pace of technological advancements during WW1 ■ The fact that nine German airships participated in the raid indicates the swift growth of air forces and their capabilities due to their “unusually large number” ● “nine airships left their bases at Friedrichshaven and Lowenthal, an unusually large number” ■ “Nine Zeppelins had been able to fly over England at will, with no interference.” ● Depicting the dynamic nature of military technology and the need for nations to adapt to new forms of warfare ○ Reveals the navigational challenges faced by early aviators ■ Dietrich's miscalculations regarding their location demonstrate the difficulties of accurate navigation during night flights ● "He thought he had flown over Liverpool and Birkenhead and the Mersey, he had been wrong." ■ Highlights the ongoing development and refinement of aviation technology, including navigation aids and equipment ○ It suggests that warfare was no longer confined to traditional battlefronts, and civilians could become collateral damage and targeted ■ The Zeppelin raid on Wednesbury resulted in civilian casualties, indicating a significant shift in warfare ● “The first bomb there landed on a Congregational church” ● “The first Wednesbury deaths had occurred” ■ Stresses the ethical and strategic implications of these advancements, as civilian were increasingly vulnerable to attacks ○ The response of British authorities indicates that nations were rapidly adapting to the changing nature of warfare and seeking ways to counter new threats ■ The embarrassment faced by British authorities due to the Zeppelin raid prompted a reevaluation of Britain's air defences. ● "Nationally, the raid was seen as very embarrassing. Several aircraft took off but none of them came anywhere near any of the airships." ■ Demonstrates the necessity for nations to adapt and improve their military capabilities in response to evolving technology ● Conclusion with the way things were going

■ Suggests that the war's outcome was not solely determined by traditional measures of battlefield success ○ Emphasises the heavy casualties and the loss of troops during the battle ■ Suggests that the war's outcome was influenced by the willingness of nations to sacrifice their soldiers ● Also raises questions whether the sacrifices were necessary ○ Argues that the Somme influenced the Allies' perception of the deteriorating situation in Russia ■ Implies that the war's outcome was shaped not only by battles on the Western Front but also by developments in other areas of the war ○ Mentions the role of Germany's provocation of the US and their entrance into the war ■ Suggests that the war's outcome was influenced by broader global factors, such as diplomatic and political developments 4. How did the First World War affect Europe’s global position and stature? What impact did the War have on the world outside Europe? ● Economic dislocations and social forces inflicted about states and people around Europe and the globe ○ War destroyed the old elite ○ Shattered economic foundations ○ Accelerated social and political changes ■ Seen in all the revolutions around the world and in Europe ● The rise of fascism in Italy ● The Mexican Revolution ○ Desire for social justice and fascism a concern for national unity ■ Appearance of the communist regime in Russia