HIST350: World War I M2D2: The Christmas Truce Discuss the effect modern warfare had upon individual soldiers and how it prompted situations like the Christmas Truce in the winter of 1914 - 1915 (CO4,

HIST350: World War I

M2D2: The Christmas Truce

Discuss the effect modern warfare had upon individual soldiers and how it prompted situations like the Christmas Truce in the winter of 1914 - 1915 (CO4,CO5)

The war of maneuver turned into stalemate and trench warfare by late in 1914. In December of 1914 and January of 1915, brief cessations in fighting along the Western Front inspired hope and celebration on the frontlines and the homefront alike. Much has been written about the Christmas Truce since then, but the question remains: was it a “miracle” that spoke to the underlying decency of humanity even in times of hostility, or was it a symbolic and over-memorialized momentary pause that belied the true nature of the war? 

In preparation for this discussion, make sure you read the following: the Module Notes, “Myth or Reality? The 1914 Christmas Truce (see attached notes)”, “Christmas Truce (see attached notes)”, and “An Ancient Tradition in an Industrial War (see attached notes)” on the National WWI Museum and Memorial website, as well as view The Christmas Truce (http://exhibitions.theworldwar.org/christmas-truce/introduction/video).  Additionally, select and read at least six primary source accounts of your choice from “Christmas Truce Incidents and Accounts (http://exhibitions.theworldwar.org/christmas-truce/incidents/127/with-the-first-warwicks-bishops-itchington-man-tells-of-german-friendship.)”.

Then, in an initial post of at least 250 words discuss the following:

·         Based upon your examination of the six primary documents, what was the Christmas Truce? 

·         In your opinion, what was the significance of the Christmas Truce to the larger history of World War I, if anything?  

Your initial post must use evidence from the assigned readings, including at least two full citations in proper APA  (Links to an external site.)or Chicago (Links to an external site.) style.

Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. (Turnitin.com) is built into the assignments for this course by the faculty to check the originality of writing to avoid plagiarism.