The Gallipoli Campaign: A Historical Overview
Background
The Gallipoli Campaign was an Anglo-French operation against Turkey from February 1915 to January 1916. It aimed to force the opening of the Dardanelles Straits, allowing Allied ships to reach Russia and threaten the Ottoman Empire's capital, Constantinople.The ANZAC Corps
A key element in the Gallipoli Campaign was the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Formed in 1914, the ANZACs consisted of 38 battalions from Australia and New Zealand. They served with distinction during the campaign, despite the heavy casualties they suffered.The Landings
On April 25, 1915, Australian soldiers landed at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula. They were joined by British, French, and New Zealand troops in the subsequent weeks. The landings were met with fierce Turkish resistance, and the Allies struggled to establish a secure foothold.The Stalemate
Over the following months, the campaign descended into a bloody stalemate. Trench warfare ensued, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Despite several attempts, the Allies were unable to break through the Turkish defenses and capture the Dardanelles.The Withdrawal
By December 1915, the British government decided to evacuate the troops from Gallipoli. The withdrawal took place in January 1916, and the last Allied soldiers left the peninsula on January 9th.Legacy
The Gallipoli Campaign was a military defeat for the Allies. However, the battles fought on Gallipoli established the military reputation of the ANZACs. ANZAC Day, which commemorates the landing at Gallipoli, is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand. The campaign also had a significant impact on Turkish history and is still remembered as one of the most important events in the country's struggle for independence. 
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