Explore the involvement and impact of Imperial forces in key Western Front battles during the Great War.
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Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
8 hours100% online
How it works
The Imperial Forces on the Western Front: A Comprehensive Study
Examine deployment to the Western Front and its impact on future world wars
This four-week course will help you delve into the experiences of the Imperial and Dominion forces of World War I.
You’ll gain unique insights and historical expertise from leading military historians.
Explore the mobilisation and recruitment processes before 1914
You’ll start by uncovering the strategies and backgrounds behind the mobilisation and recruitment of Imperial and Dominion forces before World War I.
Learning about the composition and integration of these forces within the British Empire, you’ll understand how they were prepared for the impending conflict.
Examine the mobilisation and deployment to the Western Front
Next, you’ll discover the meticulous planning and logistical challenges involved in deploying Imperial troops to the Western Front.
Analyse the impact of these deployments on the early stages of World War I and how they set the stage for the great battles to come.
Investigate recruitment and conscription strategies during the war
You’ll delve into the various recruitment and conscription strategies employed during the war to meet the manpower demands of the Western Front.
Through this exploration, you’ll understand the different aspects involved in sustaining the war effort.
Review the integration of imperial forces in major battles
Finally, you’ll examine the contributions and combat effectiveness of different contingents, from the Indian Army at Neuve Chapelle to the Australians at Villers-Bretonneux.
Join the University of Kent to explore this pivotal chapter in history with guidance from expert military historians and access to exclusive resources.
Syllabus
Week 1
Mobilisation and recruitment
Introduction
Welcome to the course. To begin, course leader Mario Draper provides a brief introduction, then we'll start to explore the relationship between Britain and the colonies & dominions.
The South African War & military reform, 1902-1914
Here we examine the lead up to the Great War, looking at the reforms made in the British Army following the Boer War, and the Imperial Army Project. We'll also consider the specific case of Britain’s largest colony – India.
The call to arms
In this activity we'll consider the recruitment and mobilisation of Imperial and Dominion forces, and introduce the concept of "martial races".
Raising labour for the Western Front
Here we examine the contribution made by labour contingents (in particular, Chinese and South African labourers) on the Western Front, considering the differences in experiences of Imperial labourers compared to fighting troops.
The manpower challenge
In this activity we'll look at the challenge of raising manpower for the Western Front, and how and why this challenge was met either by volunteersim or conscription.
Summary
We round off our first week with a brief summary of the topics we've covered and a chance to reflect.
Week 2
Imperial forces in action
Introduction
Mario Draper starts our second week with a brief overview of the topics we'll cover.
Indians and South Africans
Here we consider the contribution of Indians, particularly at Neuve Chapelle, and South Africans, at Delville Wood.
Canadians and Newfoundlanders
Here we consider the contributions of Canadians, particularly at Vimy Ridge, and Newfoundlanders at Beaumont-Hamel.
Australians and New Zealanders
Here we consider the contributions of Australians and New Zealanders on the Western Front.
Summary
To round off our second week, we'll engage with academic texts relating to Colonial and Dominion Forces on the Western Front, before Mario Draper provides a brief summary of what we've covered this week.
Week 3
Image and reputation
Introduction
Mario Draper starts our third week with a brief overview of the topics we'll cover.
Shock troops
In this activity we'll look at the ways in which Imperial troops were used, including how they were invovled in new approaches to warfare and the specialist roles they took on.
Discipline and morale
here we'll consider issues related to discipline, including court martials and use of the death penalty, and morale, including the importance of sports and other social activities.
Summary
To round off our third week, Mario Draper provides a brief overview of the topics we've covered.
Week 4
Memory and commemoration
Introduction
Mario Draper introduces our fourth and final week with a brief overview of the topics we'll cover. In this activity we also consider the work of the Imperial War Graves Commission.
Permanent memorials
Here we look in detail at a number of memorials and cemeteries, including the Menin Gate in Ypres and sites related to particular Imperial contributors.
Pilgrimage and legacy
In this activity we consider the legacy of the Great War, thinking about the idea of 'pilgrims' and 'tourists', visiting one of the most recently built war cemeteries, and investigating the idea of the 'unknown soldier'.
Conclusions
We conclude our fourth week - and our course overall - with a brief look back at all the topics we've covered.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the Imperial and Dominion experience of the Great War
- Engage with online resources related to the subject
- Evaluate and critically analyse a range of material to formulate and articulate opinions
- Discuss issues around the Great War with professional educators and like-minded people
- Develop research skills
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for members of the Western Front Association, general history enthusiasts, educators seeking classroom resources, and potential University of Kent applicants.
It’s ideal for those interested in military history and the experiences of Imperial and Dominion forces during the Great War.
Who will you learn with?
Mario is Lecturer in Modern British and European History at the University of Kent. His research and teaching focuses on the relationships between armies and societies in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Western Front Association
The Western Front Association was formed in 1980 to maintain interest in the period 1914-1918, to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of those on all sides who served their countries in France and Flanders and their own countries during the Great War. It does not seek to glorify war and is non-political.
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Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 5 Mar 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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