Ep 1. The Broken Promise

The First World War: The War To End All Wars is a documentary-style show that depicts the history and events of the First World War. The show features archival footage and photographs, as well as interviews with historians and experts in the field.

In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Broken Promise," the show sets the stage for the conflict by exploring the events leading up to the outbreak of the war. The episode focuses on the diplomatic relationships between the major European powers, including Germany, Russia, and England, and how they eventually broke down.

The episode starts by introducing the viewers to the concept of the "great powers" in Europe and their desire to maintain their dominance over the continent. The alliances that formed between the powers are discussed, specifically the Triple Entente (England, France, and Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy).

The show then moves on to discuss the events leading up to the war, focusing on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The episode details how this event set off a chain reaction throughout Europe, leading to mobilization and declarations of war.

One of the key themes of the episode is the broken promise that Germany made to Belgium. The show explains that Germany had promised not to invade Belgium, but when war broke out, they reneged on that promise and invaded the country. This action had a significant impact on the war, as it drew other countries, including England, into the conflict.

Throughout the episode, the show uses a combination of archival footage, photographs, and maps to illustrate the events being discussed. The commentary from the historians and experts is used to provide context and analysis, giving the viewer a deeper understanding of the actions of the major powers.

Overall, "The Broken Promise" is an informative and engaging episode that sets the stage for the rest of the series. It provides a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the war, and leaves the viewer with a clear understanding of the complex political relationships that contributed to the conflict.