WWI: the Gallipoli Campaign was a significant military campaign during World War I that took place on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Ottoman Empire, now modern-day Turkey. It was initiated by the Allied Powers, primarily British and French forces, with the aim of opening up a sea route to the Russian Empire and capturing the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (Istanbul).
The campaign began on April 25, 1915, with amphibious landings by Allied troops on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula. The campaign quickly became a protracted and brutal stalemate, characterized by trench warfare similar to that on the Western Front.
The Ottoman forces, led by Mustafa Kemal (who later became known as Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey), successfully defended their positions. The harsh terrain, coupled with strong Ottoman defenses and difficult supply conditions, contributed to the challenges faced by the Allies.
The Gallipoli Campaign proved to be a costly and ultimately unsuccessful venture for the Allies. After months of heavy fighting and significant casualties on both sides, the Allied forces decided to evacuate the peninsula in a series of nighttime withdrawals between December 1915 and January 1916.
The campaign had a profound impact on the nations involved. It resulted in significant loss of life and had lasting effects on the military strategies of the participating powers. The experiences of the soldiers at Gallipoli also played a role in shaping the national identities of Australia and New Zealand, as April 25, known as Anzac Day, is commemorated annually to honor the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli.