First World War - Getty Images

First World War

World War One (WW1) was a major global conflict that lasted four years, from 1914 to 1918. It began on 28 July 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia one month to the day after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo. The conflict, which became known as the Great War, was fought between two groups: the Triple Alliance – initially made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; and the Triple Entente - made up of Great Britain, France and Russia (Italy changed sides and joined the Allies in 1915). The United States of America entered the war in 1917. The First World War ended on 11 November 1918 when the Allies and Germany signed a ceasefire, or 'armistice’

Black-and-white historical photograph of Archduke Franz Ferdinand standing in uniform among military officers, with a circular inset highlighting a portrait of his assassin, Gavrilo Princip.

Membership

Would Franz Ferdinand really have prevented the First World War?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Colourful illustration of a figure in a red helmet sitting inside a futuristic time machine built from a oversized wristwatch, set against a pink background

Membership

We gave 8 historians a time machine. You won't believe where they chose to go. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Black-and-white historical photograph of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna standing in a Red Cross nurse uniform alongside surgeon Vera Gedroits as medical personnel assist a patient.

Membership

This lesbian Lithuanian princess went to war with Rasputin – but that's not what she's most famous for. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Black-and-white archival photo of Indian Army soldiers in turbans and uniform tunics standing in the doorways and leaning out the windows of a third-class train carriage

Membership

India’s forgotten WW1 heroes: why it’s taken a century for these soldiers to be recognised. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

It's a black and white image of a group of soldiers holding a swastika flag

Membership

"Weimar's citizens cheered on Hitler": why the home of German democracy was easy prey for the Nazis. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Colour portrait of Princess Elizabeth standing in an ornate room at Buckingham Palace, wearing a light dress and pearl necklace, hands clasped.

Second World War

After two world wars, monarchies across the world collapsed. Why did Britain's survive?

A mixed group of men and women in early‑20th‑century clothing gather around a table set with dishes, with a bearded man seated at the centre of the group.

Membership

Did Rasputin really bring down the Tsars? The truth behind the dark legend of the Russian mystic. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A drawing depicting a German monoplane dropping bombs on Paris in 1914

Membership

Creating fake Paris: why did one man build a hoax French capital?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Spy, hero, rebel, traitor: the story of Roger Casement. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Two men sat outside a cafe with drinks on a table

First World War

How the work of American folk song collectors inspired The History of Sound

A tank crossing trenches at the battle of Cabrai during the First World War.

First World War

The First World War’s deadliest battle was stalling, but everything changed when Little Willie arrived

Membership

How tanks redefined warfare. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A group of soldiers playing football during the First World War.

First World War

The First World War’s Christmas truce is a heartwarming story – but it never happened

Membership

Did the WW1 Christmas truce really happen?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

On 27 January 1943, ARP wardens attend the funeral of victims killed in a daylight bombing raid — including several children and teachers. Such scenes were tragically common during the Second World War, as civilian areas remained vulnerable to Luftwaffe attacks despite improved air defences.

Second World War

Why were these British Second World War burials draped with Nazi flags?

Michelle Akers-Stahl, who scored twice in the final, celebrates with teammates Julie Foudy and Carin Jennings after the United States won the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup on 30 November 1991, defeating Norway 2–1. The tournament marked a turning point in the global recognition of the women’s game.

20th Century

How a forgotten law helped women’s football conquer the world – but only by accident

Membership

Episode 4Not just the Western Front: why we can't ignore the rest of the world. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Episode 5Lions led by donkeys: a World War One myth?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Why World War One didn't end when you think it did. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Two men dressed in military uniform stand behind a barbed wire, looking into the camera. One wears a bandage around his head, covering one eye

Membership

Five things you (probably) didn’t know about the First World War. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

The history of women's football: everything you wanted to know. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

HistoryExtra AcademyWW1 Myths and Misconceptions, with Alex Churchill. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Beyond the trenches: a new take on WW1. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Episode 2Was it possible to be neutral in World War One?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Episode 3Beyond the trenches: untold stories of WW1. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Membership

Episode 1Did Franz Ferdinand's death really start World War One?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

RAF fliers accompany the bodies of two Nazi airmen being taken to be buried in Edinburgh

Membership

In October 1939, two coffins were wheeled through Edinburgh draped in Nazi flags. But why?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

London crowds celebrating the signing of the armistice at the end of the First World War.

First World War

Armistice Day: what does it commemorate? Why are poppies worn? Plus 4 more things you need to know

Soldiers of the English infantry in France, running out of their trenches at the signal to assault.

Membership

The ultimate First World War quiz. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A silhouette of troops of the 1st Australian Division during the First World War.

First World War

QuizHow much do you know about WW1?

You're currently on page 1

Next Page