The Two Western Fronts? Approaches to the History of the First World War

Since the 1990s, the idea of the ‘two Western Fronts’ has shaped the historiography of the First World War. One reflecting cultural histories of memory and commemoration. The other reflecting ‘revisionist’ military histories. The debate can trace its roots to the struggles over the narrative of the conflict in the immediate aftermath of the war. It has also expanded, drawing in a wide range of sources and methodologies. Yet the central arguments, of futility versus success, continuity or change, remain significant. Not just for the academic field of First World War studies but for wider popular understanding of the conflict. In this module, you’ll explore both sides of the debate. You’ll use a range of historical approaches including: operational and strategic history political and diplomatic history social and economic history cultural history transnational history public history You’ll consider how primary source material shapes debate. You’ll also discuss what we mean by ‘traditional’ or ‘revisionist’ histories. Module subject to final approval. Please note, the Leeds International Summer School runs for four weeks (2 - 30 July 2022). You can choose to study with us for two weeks or for the full four-week programme. Each module lasts two weeks so you study one module if you choose to attend for two weeks and two modules if you choose to attend for four weeks.

Course leader

Angus Wallace

Target group

Undergraduate/Bachelor students

Course aim

Information TBC