The war to end all wars
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For many years I have been captivated by the events of the First World War and the profound loss of life associated with it on all sides.
Approximately 886,000 British soldiers lost their lives during the First World War. This figure includes members of the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Flying Corps.
This figure reflects the devastating human cost of the conflict, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. The British Expeditionary Force and subsequent volunteer/conscript armies faced significant losses in major battles like the Somme and Passchendaele.
The "iron harvest.
"The Battle of the Somme (1916) alone saw 57,470 British casualties on the first day, including 19,240 fatalities.
It is estimated that about 750,000 British soldiers died during the conflict, and a significant portion of them was never recovered or identified. In recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025, the remains of British soldiers from World War I have been unearthed, frequently as a result of construction or agricultural activities. Some of these soldiers have been identified and afforded military burials, while others continue to be designated as "Unknown Soldiers," as reported by BBC News. Two unidentified Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in World War One have been interred in France (2024) following the discovery of their remains during the construction of a hospital. War detectives from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) were summoned to assist in identifying the two men, believed to have perished during the Battle of Loos in 1915.
The remains of soldiers from the First World War continue to be discovered on farmland and former battlefields to this day, particularly in regions like France and Belgium where some of the most intense fighting occurred. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "iron harvest."
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Public perception shifted
As World War I progressed and casualties mounted, public perception shifted dramatically from initial patriotic fervor to widespread disillusionment and anti-war sentiment. This transformation was driven by the scale of losses, media coverage, and societal impacts.
Early in the war, governments tightly controlled information to maintain morale. British media downplayed setbacks and emphasized patriotism, with censors omitting details of military blunders and casualties. For example, the disastrous first day of the Battle of the Somme was initially reported with vague or optimistic framing.
By 1917, soldiers’ letters and returning veterans exposed the grim reality, undermining earlier propaganda. The Central Sikh League and other groups mobilized against colonial policies, reflecting broader discontent.
The war’s end in 1918 left societies grappling with loss and questioning traditional authority. In Britain, veterans and civilians alike criticised leadership, paving the way for political changes like Labour’s rise and demands for social equity.
German casualties
Approximately 2 million German soldiers perished during World War I, though exact figures vary due to incomplete records and differing methodologies.
German soldiers in World War I endured a harrowing transformation from patriotic enthusiasm to profound disillusionment, shaped by brutal combat, authoritarian military structures, and societal upheaval.
Many German soldiers initially joined the war with nationalist fervor, influenced by pre-war militarism that glorified service and obedience.
Conscription laws ensured mass mobilization, with soldiers subjected to strict discipline and hierarchical control, including physical punishments for insubordination.
By 1918, starvation from the Allied blockade, exhaustion, and awareness of the home front’s disintegration eroded soldiers’ resolve. The sudden armistice in November 1918 shocked troops who had been told victory was imminent, fueling the “stab-in-the-back” myth that blamed civilians and politicians for betrayal.
Despite the armistice, 2,738 German soldiers died on the war’s last day, including Lieutenant Tomas, the last known German casualty
In summary, German soldiers’ experiences reflected the collision of rigid militarism, industrialized warfare, and the collapse of national myths, leaving a legacy of trauma and disillusionment that shaped inter-war Germany.
The First World War reshaped global politics
The First World War (1914–1918) reshaped global politics, economics, and society, leaving enduring lessons that influenced the 20th-century.
Human life is sacred and inviolable. War, which involves the intentional taking of lives, is morally indefensible.
Violence begets more violence. Ethical behaviour requires seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, and yes, aligning with philosophies such as those of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
The indiscriminate nature of modern warfare often results in civilian casualties and suffering, which some view as unacceptable collateral damage.
The importance of building societies based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation rather than conflict and domination is so Important.
Encouraging dialogue, education, and cultural exchange is essential for fostering a global culture of peace and understanding.
George Orwell made an observation regarding the physical stature of policemen after the First World War. In his essay "The Lion and the Unicorn: Socialism and the English Genius," Orwell noted that policemen seemed to be "noticeably smaller" than before the war. This comment was part of a broader critique of the societal changes and the decline of certain standards in post-war Britain.
When soldiers returned to Britain after the First World War, their expectations and experiences were shaped by a mix of hope, uncertainty, and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.
Many returning soldiers hoped to find stable employment and reintegrate into the workforce, leveraging skills they had acquired during their military service.
The transition was often difficult due to a post-war economic downturn. Unemployment was high, and many veterans struggled to find jobs, leading to disillusionment and frustration.
Soldiers anticipated recognition for their service and sacrifices, expecting gratitude and respect from the society they defended.
While there were initial expressions of gratitude, such as parades and memorials, the long-term support for veterans was often inadequate. Many felt forgotten or underappreciated, especially as economic hardships persisted.
Some soldiers sought understanding and support for the psychological trauma they experienced, known as "shell shock" at the time. Mental health support was limited, and societal understanding of psychological trauma was minimal. Many veterans suffered in silence, facing stigma and a lack of effective treatment.
Some veterans expected their experiences to lead to social and political change, hoping for a more equitable society. The war did contribute to significant social changes, including shifts in class dynamics and the expansion of the electorate. However, progress was slow, and many veterans felt that their sacrifices did not translate into the societal reforms they had hoped for.
"Homes fit for heroes"
Lloyd George famously promised returning soldiers "homes fit for heroes," raising expectations for improved living conditions and housing after the war.
While some efforts were made to improve housing, progress was slow and insufficient to meet the demand. The housing shortage left many veterans and their families in inadequate conditions, leading to widespread disappointment.
Discontent contributed to social and political unrest, with veterans participating in strikes and protests demanding better conditions and treatment.
Discontent over pay and working conditions led to a police strike (1919) in London and Liverpool, highlighting unrest even among key state workers.
The 1926 General Strike: Though occurring a few years later, was partly rooted in post-war economic difficulties. It involved miners, transport workers, and other sectors, protesting wage reductions and poor working conditions.
In Germany The Spartacist Uprising (1919): Led by the Spartacist League, a Marxist revolutionary movement, this uprising sought to establish a socialist state. It was violently suppressed by the Weimar government.
When capitalists from various nations come into conflict and engage in warfare, it is typically not they who take up arms; rather, they enlist the working classes of their countries to fight on their behalf, in other words workers are used as canon foder.
Patriotism and jingoism
This situation necessitated an appeal to patriotism and jingoism, with politicians traveling across the nation to stoke fervor for the war. A notable figure in this endeavor was Horatio Bottomley, who styled himself as the People’s Tribune, despite being a discredited bankrupt prior to the conflict. In his quest to enlist recruits, he amassed £78,000, which he squandered on racehorses, women, and champagne. For young male workers of military age who resisted the compelling call to arms, young women were tasked with pinning white feathers on them as a symbol of cowardice.
The capitalist class was not content with their workers merely facing bullets and bombs on the battlefields; they also expressed dissatisfaction with the workers' output on the home front. In the UK, there was significant blame directed at munitions workers for the shortages of shells required for the war effort, with accusations that they were preoccupied with drinking in pubs. As a result, restrictions on pub hours were implemented, which remained in effect until the 1990s.
The phrase "The war to end all wars" stands as one of the most ironic statements in history. Rather than putting an end to conflicts, the First World War planted the seeds for future wars. The punitive measures imposed by the Versailles Peace Treaty fostered a deep sense of grievance in Germany, leading to the perception that the nation had been unfairly betrayed. This sentiment was skillfully exploited by German nationalists, including the Nazis, for their own agendas. Additionally, the heavy reparations imposed on Germany resulted in significant economic instability, exemplified by the hyperinflation of 1923, which created a fertile environment for aggressive nationalist movements like the Nazis to thrive. The growing animosity between the Western Powers and the Bolshevik regime foreshadowed the Cold War, which would come to dominate the twentieth century. Although the League of Nations was established with the intention of preventing further conflicts, it proved ineffective, as it failed to address the root cause - competition among capitalist powers for global markets and resources. Within the framework of capitalism, wars are ultimately inevitable.
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