The Mattapoisett Historical Society and the Mattapoisett Library will present five lectures about World War I by Seth Mendell. All five lectures will begin at 7 p.m. at the library, 7 Barstow St.

Aug. 16 Prologue and Outbreak of War: Mendell will give a broad overview of the nations of Europe as they were in the last half of the 19th century, and the circumstances that led to the outbreak of war in 1914.

Aug. 23 The Opening Phases – Strategies and Battle: Mendell will describe the failure of the initial German offensive, how the British Gallipoli Campaign was devised and the importance of naval forces to the conflict. The lecture will end with the sinking of the Lusitania.

Aug. 30 Middle Phases – Major Battles and Events: The third lecture covers some of the war’s most notable battles and events played out in the context of changing warfare practices in the early 20th century.

Sept. 6 United States Entry – The Russian Revolution: In his fourth lecture, Mendell will outline the circumstances that brought the US into the war and the impact of Lenin’s ascendance in Russia.

Sept. 13 Ploughboys into Doughboys – Collapse of Central Powers: This final entry of the series will focus on the American side of the conflict and the eventual surrender of Germany and the Central Powers.

For more information or questions, call the Mattapoisett Historical Society at 508-758-2844 or the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 508-758-4171.