How Europe Plunged Into War In 1914

This is the final episode on our series of the causes of WW1, see the first episode here:    • Could WW1 Have Been Stopped Before It...  

The full playlist of videos is here:    • The Causes Of WW1  

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This is a Saturday 'catch up' episode, this is the video version of parts 5 and 6 of our audio podcast series which was released earlier this year.

“The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime”

In the early days of August 1914, the British press has become increasingly vocal about the prospect of war breaking out amongst the great European powers. But the Kaiser still believes he can count on his ambassador in London, and his dear cousin, George V, to make sure Britain stays out of the war, giving the Germans an easy go at the French. And a telegram from the British capital apparently brings the best possible news: Britain declares itself neutral, and will make sure that France does the same…

Join Tom and Dominic in the final instalment of our series on the outbreak of the First World War, as the storm clouds of war finally reach Western Europe…

00:00 The Kaiser’s friendship with the Tsar
08:02 Last minute attempts to avoid war
28:00 Russia considers whether to come to Serbia’s aide
33:21 The British cabinet considers what to do
41:42 Last minute communications between Russia and Germany
44:55 Russia mobilises
54:24 Austrias emergency improvised mobilisation
55:04 The Kaiser blames Britain…
57:42 Paris reacts…
59:32 Russia escalates
1:02:00 The countdown to disaster…
1:16:25 George V enters the crisis
1:19:30 The tories make their mind up
1:20:05 The British cabinet is wrought by division
1:23:08 Germany and Russia go to war
1:29:35 Joy And Crisis in Berlin
1:45:50 Decision time in London
2:08:55 From peace into war…

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett
Video Editor: Jarrad Middleton
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor