THE FIRST WORLD WAR

From 2014 Wales marked the centenary of the First World War

This site charts the causes, events and the effect of the conflict on the people of Wales between 1914 and 1918.

The period from 1914 to 1918, and the immediate aftermath, shaped the Wales we live in now and we need to understand not only why nations went to war but also the lingering impact of that war on our daily lives.

Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales

St Fagans Castle, First World War © Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum of Wales

Military Developments

In August 1914 some people believed the war would be over by Christmas.

Home Front

To wage war on an industrial scale the state mobilised all its resources, including its civilians.

Politics and Diplomacy

The First World War was a failure of diplomacy.

Technological Developments

New technology, vital to winning the war, brought developments in civilian life as well.

Peace Movement

With the nations stuck in a deadly stalemate, why could no-one bring the war to an end?

Culture and Identity

At first, artists and writers were among the war’s cheerleaders, but the war often changed their views and cultures profoundly.

Social Impact

The war changed the daily life of individuals as well as the political and industrial world.

Aftermath

For the nations of Europe, the war was an unforeseen disaster that turned previously rich countries into debtors.