Europäische Kriegsschauplätze [European Theaters of War]

The status of the European fronts in WWI shortly before the Somme offensive.

This colorful double-sided map provides a wealth of information to an eager German audience about the status of various European fronts during World War I. The central image presents a transportation map of Europe, with bold shades reflecting significant advances by the Central Powers (green) and a modest amount of territory lost to the Quadruple Alliance (red). Insets immediately below show larger-scale maps of the front lines around the hardest-fought areas, including Belgium, Verdun, and Reims. The verso presents several similar plants of the contested areas across Russia, Italy, and the Balkan Peninsula. Important battle sites are noted, while a world map highlights how the Great War grew to a global scale.

The map was compiled by Walter Paasche using information accurate up to June 1916. The following month, the Battle of the Somme would erupt – July 1st (the first day) is the bloodiest day in British history as nearly 20,000 Tommies lost their lives (compared to less than 1,000 French). Published in Stuttgart by Paasche & Luz and originally sold for a price of 60 pfennig (about 10 cents).