The First World War
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.
Is only the first episode available here? I see at least one reference to the second episode in the comments here; could it be that viewer saw that episode elsewhere but is commenting on it here, and this website offers episode one more or less as a "tease" or advertisement, given as a sample here hoping will purchase on another site? If that's what's happening, not sure I like it or that it's particularly fair. Yes, I'm getting a great documentary for free, but I legitimately thought this might be an educational site and that funded by the BBC or some other tax-supported institution, the documentarians who produced it might be sharing it for educational purposes without necessarily monetizing it. Seems a bit manipulative if that's what's happening.
7.5/10 good documentary overall and if your interested in this period of history definitely worth a watch. The footage is outstanding. The subjects covered episode by episode is well developed. I do feel, however, that too much is trying to be covered in so little time. Although 8 hours/10 episodes it jumps from one subject to next too rashly. Also, I do not deny British involvement in the war but very little is covered commonwealth nations and their involvement in the conflict. A few historical fallacy
7.5/10 good documentary overall and if your interested in this period of history definitely worth a watch. The footage is outstanding. The subjects and themes covered episode per episode is well presented . I do feel, however, that too much is trying to be covered too quickly. The episode themselves do not have a sound flow. Also, I do not deny British involvement in the war but very little is covered from the perspective of commonwealth nations. A few historical fallacies can also be identified when watching this documentary. For example, to say that WWI was the first global conflict is flat wrong. In my opinion, not enough is covered from the French perspective. Finally, the attempt to portray Franz Ferdinand as a modern sophisticated monarch is misguiding.
Besides it’s British centric perspective and few bold historical statements the doc is great! Enjoy the watch...
In the second episode some information could have been included about Germans fighting Russian I and II Armies in 1914 on the East Front as only the map has been shown with no further references.
Such an Awesome Doc. Top 5 for me, honesty, forthcoming for both sides. Just GREAT !
British propaganda still going strong. Disappointing.
I watched this series after listening to an excellent six-part podcast series on the war entitled Blueprint for Armageddon. The podcast is offered under the auspices of Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. Google it. Just amazing, and offers a great deal of information not presented here.
Best ever
quite brilliant
I had to watch these documentaries for school since I got sick for a month and this was my makeup assignment. I had to write a report on each one. I didn't like doing it.
I really enjoyed this documentary, I watched all ten parts. There was so much footage of the war I had never seen before. What also stood out was the use of primary sources - letters home from soldiers, memoirs of great leaders - to explain what and why things happened, as opposed to interviews with historians. This gives the documentary a very non-biased feel. I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to watch all ten parts.
Also Hitler fought in ww1 so he hated the jews many went trough staveation diet sorry for spelling really late at night
A great documentary. Doesn't address the whole Rothschild and international bankers role in it all because most people would write that off as ludicrous. Aside from the always interesting banking aspect of war, this series is the most in-depth and well rounded WWI documentary out there. Concise yet detailed, informed yet objective. I have watched about 10 times over the past 4 years. Fine piece of work
Is there a better documentary on WWI out there? This one is crap.
trixie nasty little Brit hobbits... no dignity in foolin' them u-boats
A very good documentary. I wanted to learn about WWI and that's exactly what I got.
New Zealand didn't "steal" Samoa. We were requested to seize it from the Germans by Britain. What else did you get wrong in this documentary?
Having said that, what New Zealand did to Samoa after that until independence in 1962 could easily be described as a crime.
Very interesting and beautifully portrayed! I wish I had a copy to call my own.
No @csnski12, to mention in-depth all the soldier groups from various nations would be gratiuitous and pointless. There were far too many such groupings - and incidentally, each earnestly believes that their own soldiers were the very best.
I could name multiple countries that still hold the belief that "their boys" were the elite and were punching well above their weight (but will not, since I'd hate this to degenerate into an argument of the merits of each). This is a pretty dangerous view to harbour in my opinion.
BTW - this series is simply the best WW1 doc I have seen. Focusses on many under-investigated aspects of it all. Especially loved the episode on Revolution.
Serbia didn't started the war, don't be ignorant.
Any truth to the statement that WWI was caused because Germany wanted to build a railroad from Turkey to Iraq to get some of the the newly found oil?
WW I was sparked not by the killing of Franz Ferdinand but of his ignorant driver. That d-bag should have studied the city's transportation system Ad nauseam, hindering the chances of taking a wrong turn. What a noob... ;)
There are those who wish to scapegoat the Balkans for the first world war and spread their psycological virus. One of the greatest examples of a small truth being turned into a big lie is that the assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the reason for this war, closer to the truth was that it was the excuse.
For four and a quarter years a large part world went on killing each other in unprecidentented scale, and then like little children having a fight in the playground would say, some want to say to the Balkans you started it. For the love of humanity this stupid war should not have been allowed to go on so long. Bring it on bigots and smart alecs.
so the Irish were 2 days late to get their guns. figures. just pissed
Amazing series, and supplements "War of the world" nicely.
At a glance, this conflict like uncountable following it, boils down to a manifestation of economic interests of the major players. Every time the blame is passed to the nearest and most obvious of scapegoats, who goes down in popular history as villains. While unnamed bankers/investors can claim their prizes, and reinvest has they see fit. War is business, and a rotten one at that.... this century's revolutions are likely to be very different, hopefully.
It's really troubles me, that even now, the lending habits of nations and major banks are not subject to mandatory publication prior to the loans being issued. How are we ever supposed to know, who we are actually fighting for?