Where to find sources on World War I
Here, we have located a wide range of primary and secondary sources that document the events, experiences, and debates of the First World War.
These materials provide direct access to letters, photographs, government records, and contemporary reporting. In addition, collections such as Trove and the Imperial War Museums allow close study of public opinion and wartime experience, including trench warfare, Gallipoli, and the conscription debates.
Alongside these primary materials, academic platforms such as JSTOR and Google Scholar support deeper analysis through scholarly interpretation, which enables you to build informed and well-supported historical arguments.
Primary Sources
World War I - Modern History Sourcebook
Fordham University provides a list of links to online primary sources from the modern era.
National Archives of Australia
A huge archive with a range of primary sources from Australia's history.
Contains a vast collection of material from Australia's military history.
A collection of Australian newspapers from the past.
A great place for finding sources on modern warfare, particularly from a British perspective.
First World War - UK National Archives
The British archive website which provides access to a huge range of materials.
The British Parthé News Footage Archive
Find real primary source film footage of major historical events from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.
The following collection of sources presents a detailed examination of the outbreak and early stages of the First World War.
These sources present a detailed account of the Gallipoli Campaign, which was a major Allied operation during World War I that ended in failure and heavy losses.
World War One Trench Warfare Sources
These sources provide first-hand and documentary accounts of life in the trenches on the Western Front during the First World War.
This collection of sources explores the naval war that took place during World War One.
The sources on this page examine two of the year's most significant campaigns, the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Somme.
World War One Aircraft Sources
These sources examine how aircraft changed military reconnaissance, artillery coordination, bombing, and aerial combat during the conflict.
Australian Home Front in WWI Sources
The sources collected here examine the experiences of Australians on the home front.
A selection of sources on this topic.
The sources presented here examine key developments of that year, including the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, and the brutal fighting at Arras and Passchendaele.
The sources on this page offer several different angles on the events that led to and shaped the treaty.
Secondary Sources
An online academic database used by universities worldwide that is a superb resource for History students. To view full articles, you will require membership.
World War One Flipboard Magazine
A collection of online articles and news reports about World War One.
Please Note: Some internet browsers do not handle the Flipboard website very well, and it is sometimes better to have the Flipboard App on your device to view the magazine.
This searches internet sites for academic articles and books. It often only provides one or two pages, but it is often enough to find quotes and bibliographical details.
Search millions of free academic articles, chapters, and theses.