[78-L] ^ Story of the LP

[Kristjan Saag]

J.F. Bennett wrote:

> I *think* Americans tended towards "The World War" while subjects of the 
> British Empire
> and /or other European Allies preferred "The Great War" What did the 
> Central Powers refer > to it as?
--
In Germany WW I has often been referred to, in retrospect, as "Der Krieg 
1914-1918" (or 1914-1919, depending on when the end was set). Even Konrad 
Adenauer, in the 1960's, used this term.
During the war itself, of course, it was "der Krieg" or "der Weltkrieg".
The concept "Weltkrieg" (World War) dates back to the early 19th century, 
and was widely in use early during WW I as well. A Swedish encyclopedic 
article from 1915, for example, uses the term. At this time all continents, 
except North America and The Antarctic, had been drawn into the war.
However, as in most cases, the global aspect of it was of minor interest to 
the people involved. Thus "Weltkrieg" was, perhaps, more commonly used in 
political analysis and journalism, than in the streets and houses and 
trenches. Where "Der Krieg" was clear enough.
Kristjan