World War I : The Widening War

New Weapons, Allies and Fronts

It seemed impossible to break through the deadlock of the trenches. New weapons such as gas, aeroplanes and tanks were introduced but still both German and Anglo-French offensives failed. Since the war could not be won in the trenches of the Western Front, each side tried to win it by bringing in new allies and opening new fronts. Italy , example was persuaded to go to war against Austria – Hungary. The Ottoman Empire, allied to Germany, was attacked by the French and British in Turkey , Palestine and Mesopotamia.

The War at Sea

It was calculated that the war could perhaps be won or lost at sea by blockading (cutting off all supplies to) the enemy. The Royal Navy controlled the surface of the world's oceans. Only once did the great British and German Fleets meet : at Jutland in May 1916. After this the German fleet did not leave port again but the Germans were effective in using submarines or U - Boats to blockade all shipping approaching Britain and France.