Modern History
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World War I
primary source exercise
Dr Troy Whitford
Charles Sturt University
This tutorial:
- Analyses and evaluates sources for their usefulness and reliability in relation to World War I (H3.3)
From this tutorial you will learn about the nature of trench warfare and life in the trenches.
The request
The editor of your local newspaper has decided to feature a history column each week. She has asked you to research and write an account on what the conditions were like for soldiers fighting in World War One. The Editor is also keen for you to include some photos and first hand accounts. In writing your 300-500 word article, use the sources as the basis for your description, perhaps include quotes from actual soldiers.
Some tips
The challenge presented here asks you to locate and select from a range of primary sources. While below there is a list of links, you are encouraged (if possible) to search the internet, library or archives for extra sources. When you approach a source ask yourself the following questions:
- Does this source tell me anything about the life of a soldier in WWI ?
- What does the source tell me about soldiers during the war ?
- Where does the source come from?
- How reliable is this source?
- Does the source give me information relevant to the article I must write?
- How is the source relevant to the article?
If you follow these few questions and answer them each time you examine a source, you will be able to compile in note form some overall impressions on the life of a WWI soldier.
Possible leads
Evaluating your research and article
Now you have completed the exercise take a moment to evaluate how you went.
- Were there sufficient sources available?
- From the sources, did you get an impression of what it was like to be soldier in WWI?
- Do you think the sources were reliable? If so, why?
- How did you approach writing the article?
- Do you think the article tells people about the conditions in which the WWI soldiers fought in?
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at twhitford@csu.edu.au