The Great War was an unprecedented global conflict that engulfed many nations and resulted in immense human costs. Over 9 million soldiers lost their lives and 21 million were wounded across vast battlefields with gruesome fighting. The war destroyed four empires and had profound social impacts. It was especially hard on young people who had their youth deprived by the catastrophe. The document suggests including information about the countries involved in WWI for students reading All Quiet on the Western Front, to help them understand life and culture at the time.

1. The Great War "The Great War was without precedent ... never had so many nations taken up arms at a single time. Never had the battlefield been so vast… never had the fighting been so gruesome..."

2. 9 Million soldiers died 21,000,000 were wounded 4 Empires were destroyed

3. What was life like?

4. How did the war affect soldiers, women, and children?

5. Men volunteered and were conscripted to fight.

6. Women and children were left to maintain the home front

8. Next year’s class needs you ! What information would be helpful to know about the countries involved in WWI while reading All Quiet on the Western Front ? It is your job to select different aspects of life and culture to place in a time capsule for next year’s class.

9. Sources Duffy, Michael (2000-7). Vintage Photographs. Retrieved July 20, 2007, from First World War Web site: http://www.firstworldwar.com/photos/index.htm (1996-2004). 1914-1918 The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century. Retrieved July 20, 2007, from PBS Web site: http://www.pbs.org/greatwar/