Centenaire 14-18 online: A brief review

Abstract

It is thought that social memory is partly an effect of the technology used for its expression. In 2014 the centenary of the Great War of 1914-1918 will begin across the world, but focused on the old Western Front battlefields in France and Belgium. The internet is one of the main forms of communication for a number of organisations including government, museums and both public and private organisations and individuals. A small study of three government websites, designed as portals for the 2014-18 commemoration of the Great War revealed some significant differences. Sites for France and Belgium were future oriented and concerned with among other themes, remembrance tourism. The Australian site by comparison was less interactive with almost no reference to travel and with lost opportunities to engage its audience. The study reveals a wealth of future research opportunities through internet commemoration.