Battle of Mojkovac & The Biggest Artillery Gun in World War 1 I OUT OF THE TRENCHES

TL;DR

Discusses WWI's Battle of Mojkovac and the Paris Guns.

Transcript

hi I'm Indie nidel and this is another exciting episode of out of the trenches where I sit here in the chair of wisdom and answer your questions about the Great War Alexander Ivanovic uh writes shame there wasn't anything about movat in the episode from January 7th 6,500 montenegrian versus 30,000 austrians a thermopolymerization Victory which allo... Read More

Key Insights

• The Battle of Mojkovac occurred on January 6-7, 1916, where 6,500 Montenegrins faced 30,000 Austrians, ultimately resulting in a Montenegrin victory.
• The battle took place during Orthodox Christmas, earning the name 'Bloody Christmas,' and involved intense hand-to-hand combat.
• Austro-Hungarian Colonel Riner praised the Montenegrin soldiers for their unparalleled courage in warfare history.
• The Paris Guns, used by the Germans in 1918, were the largest artillery pieces of WWI, capable of shelling Paris from over 100 km away.
• The Paris Guns' shells were the first man-made objects to reach the stratosphere, achieving heights of around 40 km.
• The Treaty of Versailles required Germany to turn over a Paris Gun, but they never complied.
• Indy Neidell advises aspiring historians to view historical events as real and alive, rather than just names and dates.
• He emphasizes skepticism about historical narratives, particularly those written by victors, and suggests using resources like War History Online.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the significance of the Battle of Mojkovac?

The Battle of Mojkovac was significant because it showcased the courage and strategic prowess of the Montenegrin forces despite being vastly outnumbered. Their victory allowed the Serbian Army to regroup and retreat to safer territories, ultimately contributing to their continued resistance in World War I.

Q: What were the Paris Guns and their impact during WWI?

The Paris Guns were enormous artillery pieces used by Germany in 1918 to bombard Paris from over 100 kilometers away. Their primary impact was psychological, instilling fear in the population, as they were not highly effective in causing physical damage due to their inaccuracy over such long distances.

Q: How did the Battle of Mojkovac earn the name 'Bloody Christmas'?

The battle took place during Orthodox Christmas on January 6-7, 1916, and involved intense combat with significant casualties on both sides. The timing and ferocity of the battle contributed to its moniker, highlighting the brutal conditions under which it was fought.

Q: What advice does Indy Neidell give to aspiring historians?

Indy Neidell advises aspiring historians to approach history as a living subject, imagining historical events as real and dynamic. He stresses the importance of skepticism towards narratives, especially those from victors, and recommends using diverse resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of historical events.

Q: What technological achievement is associated with the Paris Guns?

The Paris Guns were the first artillery pieces to fire shells into the stratosphere, reaching heights of about 40 kilometers. This achievement marked a significant milestone in artillery technology, as it required consideration of the Earth's rotation for accurate targeting over such long distances.

Q: Why were the Paris Guns removed to Germany in 1918?

The Paris Guns were removed to Germany in 1918 as the Allies began to gain the upper hand in the war. Germany sought to prevent the guns from falling into enemy hands, reflecting their strategic importance despite their limited practical effectiveness in causing damage.

Q: How does Indy Neidell suggest making history engaging?

Indy Neidell suggests making history engaging by viewing historical events and figures as real and relatable, akin to watching a live event. He recommends reading historical novels that bring the past to life and emphasizes understanding the human elements behind historical narratives.

Q: What is the purpose of the 'Out of the Trenches' series?

The 'Out of the Trenches' series aims to answer viewer questions about World War I, providing detailed insights and historical context. Hosted by Indy Neidell, the series seeks to engage audiences with intriguing stories and lesser-known aspects of the war, encouraging a deeper appreciation of history.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Battle of Mojkovac was a significant WWI engagement where the outnumbered Montenegrin forces successfully repelled the Austro-Hungarian army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Montenegrins displayed immense bravery and tactical acumen, leading to their legendary status in military history.

• The Paris Guns were a technological marvel of WWI, designed to instill fear and cause destruction from great distances. These massive artillery pieces were capable of firing shells into the stratosphere, marking a significant milestone in artillery development.

• Indy Neidell provides insights into how to approach history with a sense of realism and engagement. He encourages students to view historical figures and events as dynamic and relevant, cautioning against blindly accepting narratives, especially those from victorious parties.