As the watershed between the ''long 19th'' and the ''short 20th century'', the Great War cuts across many national histories. In particular, it marks the twilight of empires. This course will take a close look at both the general and the Ottoman-Turkish experience of 1914-18. Aspects covered will include : the New Imperialism background; the road to war; the unfolding of military action, and the various fronts and campaigns, in Europe and elsewhere; the new war economies; the carnage at the front and various other forms of human suffering behind the lines; dimensions of ethnic cleansing; ; the impact on art and literature; social and political consequences.