The Gallipoli campaign, also known as the Dardanelles campaign, was a military campaign that took place during World War I. It was fought by the Allies, which included Britain, France, and the British Empire, against the Ottoman Empire. The campaign was fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is located in modern-day Turkey.
The Gallipoli campaign was launched in an effort to open up a supply route to Russia through the Black Sea. The Allies hoped to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war by capturing the Dardanelles Strait and the city of Istanbul.
The campaign began in February 1915, when the Allies attempted to force their way through the Dardanelles Strait using a naval bombardment. However, the Ottoman Empire was able to repel the attack and the campaign turned into a stalemate.
In April 1915, the Allies decided to launch a ground invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula. They landed at several locations along the peninsula, including Cape Helles and Anzac Cove. The landing at Anzac Cove was particularly difficult, as the Ottoman Empire was able to put up a strong resistance.
The fighting at Gallipoli was brutal and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The conditions were harsh, with soldiers facing extreme heat and disease. The campaign dragged on for eight months, with no clear victory in sight.
In January 1916, the Allies decided to evacuate their forces from the peninsula. The operation was a success, but it came at a high cost. The Gallipoli campaign resulted in over 250,000 Allied casualties and an estimated 250,000 Ottoman casualties.
The Gallipoli campaign is considered a turning point in World War I, as it marked the first time that the Ottoman Empire had successfully defended itself against an invasion. It also had significant consequences for the course of the war, as it diverted resources and attention away from other fronts.
Today, the Gallipoli campaign is remembered as a tragic and bloody chapter in world history. It is remembered particularly in Australia and New Zealand, as the Anzac Cove landing was the first major military action for both countries. The Gallipoli campaign is still remembered and commemorated every year on Anzac Day, which is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand.