The Great War WWI

At the turn of the century, the United States is unconcerned with the events beyond it shores, but in mid 1914 that attitude begins to change. An assassination throws Europe into turmoil. War is inevitable, but America is determined to stat out of the fight.

Germany is confident that it can defeat France and Russia, but there is to be no quick and decisive victory. From Mons to Marne, to the opening battles of the Eastern Front, a slow, terrible war in unfolding.

War is always divided between those who make war and those who fight it. This programme examines the military and political leaders of the major powers. From the Kaiser to Franz Joseph, from Petain to Joffre, we see who emerges as true leaders.

On April 6, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson finally declared war on Germany and the American Expeditionary Force was on its way "over there." From St. Mihiel to the Muese Argonne, the yanks prove they can fight.

World War I is mainly remembered for the struggle on land, but for the first time, combat took place above the battlefields as well. The Great War at Sea, even aside from the impact of the British blockade on Germany, was crucial both to Allied survival and later victory.

By the time America enters the war, the European powers are spent and wasted. The Germans attempt one last push, but sue for peace when their last gamble fails. The war comes to a merciful end and President Wilson sails for the peace talks at Versailles, hoping for a lasting peace.

It had been called the "War To End All Wars," but the conditions set forth by the Treaty of Versailles were so punitive that they only served to inflame the embers of hatred, sowing the seeds for an even greater conflict, World War II.