The Edge of the Abyss - Mountain Warfare On The Italian Front I THE GREAT WAR Special

The Great War
14 Oct 201708:59
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis special episode explores mountain warfare during the First World War, highlighting the unique challenges faced by troops in the Alps. Italy's Alpini and Austria's Alpen- and Kaiserjäger demonstrated remarkable resilience and bravery, enduring harsh climates and employing innovative tactics like gelatin tubes and mountain artillery. The narrative delves into the soldiers' physical and psychological experiences, from the necessity of high-calorie rations to the mysticism and fatalism that influenced their actions. The episode also touches on the strategic importance of mountain terrain and the devastating impact of avalanches and rockfalls, illustrating the brutality of high-altitude combat.

Takeaways
  • 🌏 The First World War was fought on multiple fronts across five continents, including harsh environments like deserts, mountains, and the arctic.
  • ❄️ Mountain warfare was not new, with historical examples dating back to 1590, and the first official ski-corps established in Norway in 1747.
  • 🏔 The development of modern mountain troops coincided with the end of the 19th century, driven by advances in climbing gear and techniques, and a European fascination with mountaineering.
  • 🇮🇹 Italy was the first to introduce a mountain infantry corps, the Alpini, in 1872, drawing from local Alpine populations who were naturally adept at navigating the terrain.
  • 🔥 The Alpini were trained in skiing, climbing, sharpshooting, and surviving in the cold, and were deployed in large numbers during WWI, with over 78 battalions and extensive mountain trench systems.
  • 🥶 The harsh mountain climate required soldiers to consume over 4,000 calories a day and necessitated specialized winter clothing to protect against extreme cold and snow.
  • 🧙‍♂️ Alpini soldiers held a mix of traditional beliefs and deep Catholic faith, believing in the protection of saints and the mystical presence of supernatural beings in the mountains.
  • 🎿 Austrian mountain troops, the Alpen- and Kaiserjäger, were equally skilled, trained in advanced ski techniques and supported by experienced climbers from various mountain ranges.
  • 🏞️ The Austrians utilized the mountainous terrain to their advantage, creating defensive positions in caverns and dugouts, and employing mountain guns and siege mortars from a distance.
  • ⚔️ Mountain battles were extremely challenging, with soldiers facing not only enemy forces but also the perils of the terrain, including sharp stones, high winds, and avalanches.
  • 🏹 Sharpshooters played a crucial role in controlling valleys and approaches, with both Italian and Austrian forces employing scoped rifles for long-range engagements.
Q & A

  • Where was the First World War fought, according to the script?

    -The First World War was fought on over a dozen fronts, on or near five continents, in various terrains such as deserts, mud, snow, on land, at sea, and in the air, including mountainous regions.

  • What historical events are mentioned in the script that show the use of mountain warfare before the First World War?

    -The script mentions a 1590 event where 600 Finns on skis defeated a Muscovite invasion and the establishment of the first official ski-corps in Norway in 1747.

  • Why did the development of modern mountain troops occur at the end of the 19th century?

    -The development of modern mountain troops occurred at the end of the 19th century due to the development of practical climbing gear and new climbing techniques, which were driven by a newfound European interest in mountaineering.

  • Which country was the first to introduce a corps of mountain infantry, and what was it called?

    -Italy was the first nation to officially introduce a corps of mountain infantry, known as the Alpini.

  • What were the characteristics of the Alpini, and how did their upbringing in the Alps benefit them in warfare?

    -The Alpini were a militia raised from the local Alpine population, who were experts in hiking and climbing in the treacherous climate. They were physically fit, brave for the steep ledges, and were natural light infantry trained in skiing, climbing, sharpshooting, and surviving the cold.

  • How did the harsh mountain climate affect the soldiers during the First World War?

    -The harsh mountain climate required soldiers to consume over 4,000 calories a day to survive and work. Winters could come early with temperatures dropping to nearly -30 degrees Celsius and heavy snowfall. Soldiers needed winter garments like caps, flannel cloaks, scarves, and gloves, and their faces were greased with fat to protect from icy winds.

  • What were the Alpini's beliefs and how did they cope with the harsh conditions of mountain warfare?

    -The Alpini shared old faiths and tales from their ancestors, including myths about vampires, fairies, and hobgoblins. They also held a deep Catholic faith, evidenced by chapels and crosses in the Alps, and believed saints protected them from danger. Their surroundings and seclusion led many to a fatalistic outlook, volunteering for dangerous missions.

  • How did the Austrian mountain troops, the Alpen- and Kaiserjäger, prepare for mountain warfare?

    -The Austrian mountain troops were trained in the Lilienfeld ski techniques and used experienced climbers and mountaineers from various regions as trainers. Nearly every Jäger battalion had a ski detachment, and they were adept at using the mountain environment to their advantage.

  • What were the challenges faced by the Austrian defenders in the mountains during the war?

    -The Austrian defenders faced challenges such as the difficulty of digging normal trenches in the mountains, being outnumbered, and needing to fight from a distance using mountain guns, machine gun emplacements, and siege mortars from plateaus.

  • What were the tactics used by both Italian and Austrian forces during mountain warfare?

    -Italian forces used tactics such as undermining peaks and blasting them off with explosives, while Austrian forces countered with hand grenades and superior mountain artillery. Both sides used sharpshooters to control valleys and sappers to dig tunnels and destroy enemy positions.

  • How did the use of explosives and sappers change the landscape of the mountains during the war?

    -Explosives and sappers were used to undermine peaks and create tunnels, forever changing the faces of the mountains. For example, the peak of Col Di Lana was undermined and blasted off on three different occasions, earning it the name 'Blood Mountain'.

  • What were the roles of sharpshooters in mountain warfare during the First World War?

    -Sharpshooters played a crucial role in controlling whole valleys and keeping enemy units under accurate fire. They could do massive damage to an exposed and slowly climbing enemy unit, and their positions were often scoped versions of standard rifles, such as the Mannlicher M.1895 for the Austrians and the Carcano M91 for the Italians.

Outlines
00:00
🏔️ Mountain Warfare in WWI: Introduction and Historical Context

This paragraph introduces the topic of mountain warfare during the First World War, highlighting the diverse and challenging environments in which it took place, from deserts to mountains. Indy Neidell sets the stage for a special episode focused on this subject. The historical background is established with examples of early mountain combat, such as the 1590 Finnish victory using skis and the formation of the first official ski-corps in Norway in 1747. The paragraph explains that modern mountain troops emerged towards the end of the 19th century due to advancements in climbing gear and techniques, driven by a European fascination with mountaineering. The narrative then shifts to the strategic importance of mountains in warfare, exemplified by the 1866 border dispute between Austria and Italy, and the formation of the Alpini, Italy's mountain infantry corps, in 1872. The Alpini's unique training and capabilities are detailed, along with the harsh conditions they faced, including extreme weather and the physical demands of living and fighting in the mountains.

05:04
❄️ The Harsh Reality of Mountain Combat: Tactics, Technology, and Survival

The second paragraph delves into the tactics and technology used in mountain warfare during WWI, emphasizing the difficulties of fighting in such treacherous terrain. The Austrian defenders' approach is contrasted with the Italian Alpini's, focusing on the use of mountain guns, machine guns, and siege mortars from a distance. The paragraph also discusses the challenges of mobility in mountainous regions and the strategic importance of high ground. Ernest Hemingway's perspective from 'A Farewell to Arms' is cited to illustrate the futility of holding mountain lines. The harshness of the climate and the dangers of the terrain, such as sharp stones, high winds, and avalanches, are described, along with the innovative methods used to combat these challenges, like explosives to cause avalanches and specialized weaponry. The paragraph also touches on the psychological aspects of mountain warfare, including the soldiers' fatalistic outlook and their reliance on faith and camaraderie. The narrative concludes with a mention of the specialized sniper rifles used by both sides and the resilience and bravery of the soldiers who fought in these brutal conditions.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Mountain Warfare
Mountain Warfare refers to military operations conducted in mountainous terrains. In the context of the video, it highlights the unique challenges and strategies employed by troops during the First World War when fighting in the Alps and other mountainous regions. The script discusses how the harsh conditions and difficult terrain influenced tactics and the experiences of soldiers, such as the use of specialized mountain troops like the Alpini and the Kaiserjäger.
💡Alpini
The Alpini were Italy's elite mountain infantry corps, formed from local Alpine populations who were accustomed to the challenging mountain environment. Their expertise in hiking, climbing, and surviving in cold conditions made them natural light infantry for mountain warfare. The script mentions that Italy fielded over 78 Alpini battalions, emphasizing their crucial role in the mountain battles of WWI.
💡Mountain Guns
Mountain Guns are artillery pieces designed for use in mountainous terrain due to their lighter weight and easier transportability compared to standard artillery. In the video's narrative, mountain guns were employed by the Austrian defenders to fight from a distance, taking advantage of the high ground and the difficulty for the enemy to approach their positions.
💡Ski-Troops
Ski-Troops are specialized military units trained in skiing and winter warfare. The script notes that both the Alpini and the Kaiserjäger were trained in skiing, which was essential for mobility and transportation in the snowy and icy conditions of the high mountains during WWI.
💡Alpine Actions
Alpine Actions refer to the specific battles and skirmishes that took place in the Alpine region during WWI. The video script describes how these actions were fragmented due to the varied terrain of the Alps, with small detachments fighting over different mountains and passes.
💡Mountain Artillery
Mountain Artillery pertains to artillery units specifically adapted for mountain warfare. The script highlights that Austrian Jäger had superior mountain artillery, which was crucial for their defensive tactics in the mountains.
💡Austrian Defenders
The Austrian Defenders in the script refer to the Austrian troops who were defending their mountainous border against the Italian forces during WWI. They were skilled in mountain warfare, utilizing tactics such as fighting from a distance and leveraging the natural defenses provided by the terrain.
💡High Winds
High Winds in the context of the video represent one of the environmental challenges faced by soldiers in mountain warfare. The script mentions how high winds could be deadly, capable of blowing soldiers off mountains, illustrating the extreme and unpredictable nature of the mountain environment.
💡Avalanches
Avalanches are rapid flows of snow down a slope, which in the context of the video, were a significant danger for soldiers in the mountains during WWI. The script recounts the tragic event known as 'White Friday,' where an avalanche buried an entire Austrian barrack, killing 270 soldiers, and notes the high number of soldiers killed by avalanches that month.
💡Sharpshooters
Sharpshooters are skilled marksmen who are adept at long-range shooting. In the video's narrative, both Italian and Austrian forces employed sharpshooters, who were armed with scoped rifles and played a critical role in controlling valleys and picking off enemy soldiers from a distance.
💡Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare describes the type of combat where soldiers fight from trenches, which are deep, narrow ditches dug into the ground for protection. The script mentions that over 3,000 km of trenches were dug into the mountains on the Italian front alone, highlighting the extensive efforts to adapt traditional trench warfare to the mountainous terrain.
Highlights

The First World War was fought across multiple fronts on or near five continents, including in extreme environments like deserts, mud, snow, and mountains.

Mountain warfare was not new during WWI, with historical precedents such as the 1590 battle where 600 Finns on skis defeated a Muscovite invasion.

The first official ski-corps was established in Norway in 1747, marking an early development in mountain warfare.

Modern mountain troops emerged at the end of the 19th century with the development of practical climbing gear and techniques, spurred by a European interest in mountaineering.

Mountains became a new frontier for human conquest and inspiration for artists, leading to their inclusion in military planning.

Alpine warfare during WWI was characterized by fragmented actions due to the varied terrain of the Alps.

Italy was the first to introduce a mountain infantry corps, the Alpini, in 1872, comprised of locals skilled in mountain survival.

Alpini battalions were trained in skiing, sharpshooting, and surviving in cold climates, and saw action in various terrains including deserts.

Over 3,000 km of trenches were constructed in the Italian Alps, housing over half a million soldiers in harsh conditions.

Soldiers in the Italian Alps required over 4,000 calories a day to survive and work in the extreme cold.

Winter conditions in the Alps could be severe, with early onset and temperatures dropping to nearly -30 degrees Celsius.

Austrian mountain troops, the Alpen- and Kaiserjäger, were trained in advanced ski techniques and had ski detachments in every Jäger battalion.

Austrian defenders utilized the mountainous terrain to their advantage, creating caverns and dugouts for defense.

Mountain battles were characterized by harsh conditions, with soldiers facing knife-sharp stones, high winds, and avalanches.

Explosives were used to cause avalanches and rock falls to bury enemy positions, as seen on 'White Friday' when 270 Austrian soldiers were killed.

Sappers and miners used dynamite to alter the mountain terrain, creating deep tunnels and dugouts for strategic advantage.

Sharpshooters played a critical role in controlling valleys and causing significant damage to enemy units.

Austrian and Italian marksmen used scoped rifles, including the Mannlicher M.1895 and the Carcano M91, for precise engagements.

Mountain warfare in WWI was incredibly brutal, with soldiers demonstrating remarkable resilience and bravery.

Transcripts

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WWI HistoryMountain WarfareAlpine BattlesAlpini CorpsAlpenjägerMilitary TacticsHigh Altitude CombatCold Climate TacticsItalian FrontHistorical Special