Although the First World War gets less attention than its successor, it was really the watershed event of the 20th century.
This conflict shaped the world that came after to this day. It was the catalyst for the rise of soviet communism in Russia, whose unraveling less than a decade and a half ago continues to affect worldwide diplomacy and economics.
Germany’s defeat provided the opportunity for fascism and Hitler to come to power there, causing the Second World War and its greater destruction.
The defeat of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War and the diplomatic and political morass that followed was the precursor for the reconstitution of Israel and eventually brought the Middle East into center stage today.
This series is based upon the books and encyclopedic knowledge of Professor Hugh Strachan. It examines every aspect of the war, from its causes to the conduct of the war on and behind the front lines to its aftermath.
In doing so, it covers the diplomatic, political, military and social aspects, each of which played a role in shaping what happened and why. It does not just present the summary facts but goes in depth in its explanations.
For example, instead of simply depicting the spring 1918 German offensive on the western front, it gives detail about how they accomplished it, the attitudes of the troops on each side and the thought processes of the respective high commands.
November 7, 2011 at 2:46 am | fuckgreece
thank the fucking filthy serbs for this. over 10,000,000 people dead.
February 11, 2012 at 11:12 am | benny
Why blame those who only killed one guy? Why not blame Austria? After all, they started the war.
To fight, you need two parties. All are to blame.
November 8, 2011 at 12:58 am | Blasto
This is an excelent docs
November 8, 2011 at 9:02 pm | Anonymous
The stupidity of war and the sleepy masses who back it as a good. I hate human race.
November 14, 2011 at 6:20 am | Yo
so you hate yourself. imbecile
November 14, 2011 at 11:37 am | Anonymous
Na, just nationalism. Apart of the human self that is coming to an end. To make rational ppl do irrational things, under the guise of nationalism. Its a shame, it still goes on..
December 5, 2011 at 8:21 am | HumanBeing
The sleepy masses? Why is that all fools who post comments on the web, some how believe that they are better then hard working people who made bad choices? Give your head a shake. What is the answer oh PersonalBeing, please show us all to the light and let us bask in humble adoration at your infinite wisdom.
There are far too many uneducated fools on the internet, who use statements like “sheeple” or “sleepy masses” and pretend that they have some how risen above there fellow man.
Next time you post a comment. Post your oppinion, don’t make a ridiculous statement. Simply write the words, I THINK in front of your self righteous statements and stop your mongering.
HumanBeing
December 5, 2011 at 12:56 pm | Anonymous
Sorry for peace mongering lol
I would expand my thoughts on this field but I feel I’d be wasting my time with you. Your above statement is an attack on my thoughts but you ‘never’ prestented a thought on the your own regarding the subject matter?
Tell me why i’m wrong and keep to the subject matter?
November 10, 2011 at 6:04 pm | Eternal Hope
Excellently produced, researched and narated.
this is a must see documentary for anyone interested in the First World war or military history itself.
One can only hope we dont repeat the mistakes of the past but alas it seems all to often we do.
November 12, 2011 at 12:03 am | Tex Bluebonnet
From our most influential to the least, from our wealthiest to our poorest, we as a species will always be guided by fear and greed
November 12, 2011 at 1:20 am | Natural1
An endless demonstration of human folly.
November 12, 2011 at 3:20 pm | christophers
well made doc,but factually incorrect.Like every other American made doc,movie,book,ect. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT ALL THIS MEDIA GOES THROUGH A FILTER. Here is an obvious example. This doc says Germany funded the Bolshevick revolution in Russia. Truth is that Wall Street bankers,mainly Jacob Schiff funded Jews from N.Y. to revolt. In fact all the top commissars were Jews….look it up…
November 13, 2011 at 12:19 am | Jackbox
Not many are willing to ‘Name the Jew’, it’s career suicide to do so.