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World War I was initially known as “the war to end all wars”. Alas, it would prove a misnomer. In its wake, empires were dissolved, new states were created, and fractured political relations persisted. As brutal as this war was, its outcome led to further instability that heralded the arrival of the Second World War, and it’s sometimes overshadowed by the more devastating conflict that was to come. However, WWI is an engrossing topic in its own right.
Consider the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the heir presumptive to the throne of Austria-Hungary. How did the death of a man set to inherit an empire that no longer exists today set in motion a global conflict that would draw in numerous other nations and lead to millions of deaths?
Or ponder the WWI record of Harry Truman. Legally blind in one eye and initially turned away from a military career, Truman would not only go on to enlist, but jumpstart a political career and lead the US as president and commander in chief during WWII. Would the world be the same if it weren’t for his wartime experience?
Beyond the well-known figures, our World War I stories will help you discover new heroes, like the Harlem Hellfighters, an all-Black regiment, and Edith Cavell, a nurse who risked her life on the battlefield.
Nonfiction and historical fiction books alike bring a vividness to the trenches. If you’re in the mood to watch history unfold on screen, why not explore the best WWI films? We’ve got everything you need to explore every angle of this devastating global conflict.
On October 12, 1915, Cavell was executed for her part in helping over 200 Allied soldiers escape Belgium.
By Orrin Grey
Lord’s unique combination of historical insight and readability make him the perfect writer for historians of all backgrounds.
Examine the world's most influential battles from all angles.
The men who were the Harlem Hellfighters were brave, courageous, and true.
Innovative design ensured the two worked together seamlessly.
See the changes wrought by a single century.
Neil Faulkner explores how a historian's insight impacted the development of the Middle East, in Lawrence of Arabia's War.
The US Marines’ greatest stand came in the final months of World War I.
These infrequently shared photos re-contextualize the global conflict.
Remember the sacrifices service members made—both during and after World War I.
The shores of Dunkirk and the Korean countryside await...
These books examine the burdens of battle, from the Revolutionary War to modern day Iraq.
Squirrel Week resulted in some 100,000 rodent casualties.
An intercepted telegram provided a reason for President Wilson to join the effort.
Think you know WW1? Think again.
This man went from an unwilling, pacifist draftee to Sergeant York, military hero and legend.
The Doughnut Girls of World War I delivered a taste of home when it was needed most, boosting morale and the popularity of the Salvation Army.
The Paris Gun was so named for its far-off target.
Delve into the 'War to End All Wars.'
By Orrin Grey & Dave Adams
Support dogs have a long-standing history that might surprise you.