Gallipoli campaign

The Gallipoli campaign was a major military campaign during World War I. It was fought mainly in 1915 on the Gallipoli peninsula, which is located in modern-day Turkey. The main fighting was between the Allied powers, including Britain and France, and the Ottoman Empire. The campaign also involved soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, known together as the ANZACs.

The campaign began as a naval plan. The Allies wanted to control the Dardanelles, a narrow sea passage that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. By controlling this route, the Allies hoped to supply Russia and weaken the Ottoman Empire. The Dardanelles were heavily defended with forts, mines, and artillery. Naval attacks failed to break through these defenses.

After the naval attacks failed, the Allies decided to land troops on the Gallipoli peninsula. These landings began in April 1915. Soldiers came ashore at several beaches, including Cape Helles and Anzac Cove. The landings were difficult. Ottoman forces held high ground and defended the area strongly. Many soldiers were pinned down near the beaches.

The fighting on land became a form of trench warfare. Trench warfare involves soldiers fighting from long ditches dug into the ground. Trenches at Gallipoli were close together and fighting was often intense. Conditions were harsh. Soldiers faced heat, lack of clean water, disease, and limited supplies. Movement was slow and dangerous.

Ottoman forces were led by several commanders, including Mustafa Kemal, later known as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He played an important role in organizing defenses and counterattacks. Despite several Allied offensives, the front lines changed very little. Heavy casualties occurred on both sides, meaning many soldiers were killed or wounded.

By the end of 1915, Allied leaders decided to evacuate their troops. Evacuation means removing soldiers from a dangerous area. The withdrawal was completed in January 1916. The Gallipoli campaign ended without Allied success. The Ottoman Empire remained in control of the peninsula, and the campaign became known for its high losses and difficult conditions.