Making Sense of the Great War: Crisis, Englishness and Morale
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Friday 7 Feb 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Price:
Free
Dr Alex Mayhew discusses the ways that ordinary soldiers on the Western Front viewed the First World War and their place within the conflict.
About the event
Soldiers on the Western Front endured some of the toughest conditions that combatants have ever faced. In this insightful talk, Dr Alex Mayhew will explore how they sought to survive, what their war experience meant to them, and how they perceived the conflict.
While the trenches in which they fought have come to symbolise the futility and hopelessness of the war, Dr Mayhew will demonstrate that British (particularly English) infantrymen rarely interpreted their experiences in this manner. In doing so, he will reveal the ways in which they navigated the crises that confronted them and crafted meaningful narratives about their service.
About the speaker
Dr Alex Mayhew is an Assistant Professor in Modern European History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He previously taught at the University of Birmingham, running their MA in First World War Studies, a course that was delivered at the National Army Museum.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
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