The Great War

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  • : 26
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  • BBC Two
  • Documentary History War

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1x1
On the Idle Hill of Summer...
Episode overview
In 1914, the world was on the brink of enormous change. Worried by increasing German militarism, the French and the British entered into the Entente Cordiale against Germany and her .. show full overview
1x2
For Such a Stupid Reason Too...
Episode overview
The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 led to a breakdown in international diplomacy that ultimately led to war.
1x3
We Must Hack Our Way Through
Episode overview
Following the declaration of war, the German army began to carry out one of the most famous military plans in history. Known as the Schlieffen Plan, its objective was to finish the war in 40 days.
1x4
Our Hats We Doff to General Joffre
Episode overview
How the British army fought its first battle at the Belgian town of Mons. Despite initial success, the British infantry were sent into retreat after two weeks. Yet as the Germans pressed .. show full overview
1x5
This Business May Last a Long Time
Episode overview
The Battle of the Marne in September 1914 ultimately proved to be a pivotal victory of the war for Allied Forces, but, at the time, they were not able to exploit it to bring a swift end .. show full overview
1x6
So Sleep Easy in Your Beds
Episode overview
Attention turns to the battle of the sea. British confidence in the Royal Navy was to be shattered as it suffered defeats - the worst one at Coronel off the coast of South America on 1st November 1914.
1x7
We Await the Heavenly Manna...
Episode overview
In 1915, France and Britain struggle to keep up with the demand for shells and artillery, but Germany – the most modern industrial system in Europe – have no shortages, having smoothly .. show full overview
1x8
Why Don't You Come and Help!
Episode overview
As Minister of Munitions, David Loyd George was faced with a restricted industrial capability; Britain even imported materials from Germany in key areas. But with the help of US .. show full overview
1x9
Please God Send Us a Victory...
Episode overview
By Christmas 1914, the bloody impasse in the trench lines on the Western Front saw Lord Kitchener looking elsewhere for victory. In an attempt to sieze control of strategic Turkey, a .. show full overview
1x10
What Are Our Allies Doing?
Episode overview
1915 brings little progress for the Allies, but a huge German offensive at Gorlice-Tarnow forces the Russians to retreat in the East. The Allied conference at Chantilly agrees on a strategy of simultaneous attacks upon the Central Powers in 1916.
1x11
Hell Cannot Be So Terrible
Episode overview
One of the bloodiest battles in history, the fighting at Verdun continues throughout the year 1916. French and German forces suffer over 700,000 casualties.
1x12
For Gawd's Sake Don't Send Me
Episode overview
Following Lord Kitchener's appeal in 1916, the British Army was reinforced by over two million volunteers. Despite the reservations of General Sir Douglas Haig, the new .. show full overview
1x13
The Devil Is Coming...
Episode overview
The Battle of the Somme – which began in July 1916 and continued into February 19 – leaves 415,000 Brits in a muddy grave.
1x14
All This It Is Our Duty to Bear
Episode overview
Both sides make heroic bids for victory – but what will they have to show for it?
1x15
We Are Betrayed, Sold, Lost
Episode overview
The French Army is rallied for a great spring offensive – but mutiny looms when the plans fall foul of the Germans.
1x16
Right Is More Precious Than Peace
Episode overview
The future of the world is changed when America joins the conflict and the Communists come to power in Russia.
1x17
Surely We Have Perished
Episode overview
On the Western Front in 1917, the British fought alone for three-and-a-half months during one of the wettest summers Flanders has ever seen. The result was the horrific battle of Passchendale.
1x18
Fat Rodzianko Has Sent Me Some Nonsense
Episode overview
Russia's short-lived democracy is examined.
1x19
The Hell Where Youth and Laughter Go
Episode overview
This episode recounts the war's terrible effects; not just the scale of the loss of life, but also the toll it took upon the human spirit.
1x20
Only War, Nothing but War
Episode overview
Exploring how modern ideas of states' responsibility for their citizens grew out of the horror of "total war".
1x21
It Was Like the End of the World
Episode overview
The story of the German offensive of March 1918, a desperate gamble to grab victory at a stroke.
1x22
Damn Them, Are They Never Coming In?
Episode overview
As Allied troops fall back in confusion under a German counter-attack, they wait for the arrival of US reinforcements.
1x23
When Must the End Be?
Episode overview
On 17th July 1918, an Allied counter-attack marks the beginning of the end for Germany.
1x24
Allah Made Mesopotamia – and Added Flies
Episode overview
Stalemate on the Western Front saw Allied generals look for victory via an alternative route – the Middle East.
1x25
The Iron Thrones Are Falling
Episode overview
Its allies beaten, Germany faces defeat alone.
1x26
...And We Were Young
Episode overview
Relief spreads throgh the ranks on all sides as history's bloodiest conflict finally comes to an end. With the Armistice now in effect, the Allied countries are overcome by a frenzy of joy and exultation.

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