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In this two-part lecture series, Dr Simon Gregor will explore the causes, course and consequences of the war which became known as The Great War. How and why did it start? Why did it become so long and destructive? Were brave soldiers let down by incompetent generals, the “lions led by donkeys”, or was the situation more nuanced than that? What, if anything, was learned in four years of war? Why did the conflict end when it did, and what was its legacy? Focussing on the western front in France and Belgium, where most British soldiers fought, but venturing into other theatres of war along the way, Simon will explore not only the sweep of history and the grand strategy of the war, but also the very real impact on the lives of the individuals who found themselves caught up in this cataclysmic conflict. Each class will last 90 minutes, and will include time for discussion, questions and debate.

In Part 2, we will examine the second half of the war, exploring: attrition; learning; armistice and aftermath.