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The Great War: Causes, Course, and Legacy

Explore the causes, course, and legacy of World War I, from tensions in Europe and the bloody stalemate to the war’s end and the unresolved issues that shaped the next great war.

Next Session
Jan. 13, 2027 – Feb. 17, 2027
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — Barron County campus
1800 College Dr
Rice Lake, WI 54868

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Exploring World War I

World War I, known as the Great War for the breadth of its conflict and its unprecedented slaughter, reshaped Europe and the world. Examine the complex tensions that led to war, including nationalism, class conflict, imperialism, the arms race, and growing threats among the European powers.

Follow the war from its early campaigns and the Schlieffen Plan through the stalemate on the Western Front, new weapons and tactics, naval warfare, and the pivotal events of 1917. Explore the war’s conclusion, the Armistice and Versailles Treaty, and the separate legacies left for Western Europe, the United States, the Soviet Union, Japan, and Germany—and how unresolved issues laid the groundwork for the next great war.

American troops in France passing British men resting by the roadside Columns of American troops marching along a road, France, during World War I.

Who should attend

This class is designed for anyone with a desire to learn more about World War I.

Instructors

  • Paul Chase headshot

    Dr. Paul Chase is a retired lecturer in European and German history and former Dean and Campus Executive Officer at UW-Barron County. Dr. Chase studied European History at Stony Brook University (NY) and Heidelberg and Berlin (Germany). He has traveled throughout Europe with frequent visits to Germany over the past 50 years.

Policies and fine print

Disability Accommodations

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education encourages individuals with disabilities or other special needs to participate in our programs whenever possible. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify us at least two weeks in advance of the program so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Contact Continuing Education at 715-836-3636 / toll-free 866-893-2423, or use the Wisconsin Relay System (711). All requests are kept confidential.

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.

Cancellation Policy

We understand life happens. Should you need to cancel your registration, you may substitute someone to take your place, at any time, at no cost to you. If we cancel a program, we’ll give you your money back.

If your program is 14 or more days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program – no charge!
If you have to cancel, you will receive a refund, minus a 20% administrative fee.

If your program is less than 14 days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program, plus a 20% transfer fee.
If you cancel, you will not receive a refund.

If you are registered and do not attend the program, you are responsible for the full fee.

Substitution, refund or transfer requests must be submitted via email or phone call to UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.

Registration

Registration for this program is not currently open. Registration will open on August 28, 2026.

Details

Delivery format:
Hybrid

Additional Information

This class will be held on Wednesdays from January 13 to February 17, 2027, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. It will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person at the UW-Eau Claire Barron County Campus or online via Zoom.

Fee

Early registration fee:
$109.00

Standard fee:
$119.00