Watch WWI: The First Modern War

2014
1 Season
8.3 (44)

WWI: The First Modern War is a historical documentary series that takes an in-depth look at the events that led to World War I, the war itself and its impact on the world. The show is hosted by military historian Tom Bromhead and features interviews with experts, historians and veterans to provide a comprehensive perspective on the conflict.

The series covers the origins of the war, including the complex web of alliances that existed between the major European powers in the early 20th century. It then delves into the military strategies and technologies that were used during the war, including the use of trenches, tanks and chemical warfare. Viewers also get a sense of the human toll that the war took, including the millions of lives lost and the lasting physical and psychological scars that it inflicted on soldiers and civilians alike.

Throughout the series, Bromhead takes viewers on a journey through the different stages of the war, exploring key battles and campaigns in places such as the Western Front, Gallipoli, and the Middle East. Along the way, he provides context and analysis of the strategies employed by the various armies involved in the conflict.

One of the strengths of the show is its use of archival footage and photographs, which bring the events of the war to life in a way that is both compelling and informative. The show also draws on firsthand accounts and diaries from soldiers who fought in the war, giving viewers a glimpse into the daily experiences of those on the front lines.

In addition to its focus on military strategy and tactics, WWI: The First Modern War also explores the political and social factors that contributed to the conflict. The show delves into the role of nationalism and imperialism in the lead-up to the war, as well as the impact that the war had on political and social structures in Europe and beyond.

Throughout the series, a number of key themes emerge, such as the brutal nature of trench warfare, the impact of new technologies on the battlefield, and the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion about the war. These themes are explored in depth, giving viewers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the conflict.

Overall, WWI: The First Modern War is an engaging and thought-provoking historical documentary series that provides a detailed look at one of the most complex and significant events of the 20th century. From its exploration of the origins of the war to its analysis of the social and political impact of the conflict, the show is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in history or military history. Its use of archival footage and firsthand accounts offers a powerful and immersive experience that is sure to captivate and educate viewers.

WWI: The First Modern War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between July 26, 2014 and on History

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Seasons

9. Most Decorated, The: The Doughboys

May 20, 1997

The U.S. teens who marched into Europe's Great War could not have anticipated the horrors of modern warfare. Host Gerald McRaney explains how outdated tactics would turn an infantry charge into an act of mass suicide.

8. Sinking Of The Lusitania/Treaty Of Versailles

October 10, 1999

See how the Lusitania sailed into history, leading the U.S. into World War I, and how the blistering conditions imposed by the Allies on post-war Germany resulted in the rise of Nazism.

7. Convoy Pq17/Battle Crusier Disaster Jutland

August 29, 1999

Take a look back at the sinking of half of one of the largest Anglo-American convoys to sail to Russia in World War II.

6. Mystery U-Boat Of World War I

October 25, 2004

The wrecks of a German submarine and an English steamship were discovered over 30 miles from where they were thought to have sunk in World War I. Host John Chatterton dives deep to piece together what really happened.

5. World War I Tech

July 30, 2004

See how technological achievements that streamlined 19th-century production, improved transportation, and expanded science were used to efficiently decimate a generation of soldiers in the early 20th century.

4. Underwater Killers

July 26, 2014

As German submarines took on the British Navy the Atlantic became a killing field. 5,200 ships were able to be sunk by war's end by the stealth and silent killers, and brought Britain nearly to its knees. But during their attacks, the Germans sunk the US passenger liner Lusitania, which killed almost 2,000 on board. President Wilson got Congress to agree finally to enter the war from the outrage in America. The Allied Atlantic blockade forced Germany to surrender in the end, but the submarine was established as an effective military weapon.

3. Clouds of Death

July 26, 2014

The Germans were the first to weaponize a chemical. Starting with chlorine, a highly toxic ingredient used in chemical dyes which they had a large supply. Their action unleashed a rise in poison gas weapons as both sides made different chemicals and more effective counter measures. Their use of culminated in a bold British plan that unfolded beneath the battlefield at Messine Ridge. British explosive and mining experts planted 450 tons of high explosive hidden in tunnels under Messine ridge.

2. Massive Air Attacks

July 26, 2014

The first Blitz happened during WWI. Bombs from giant airships designed by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin were delivered, he was inspired when he was an observer in the Germany Army in the US during the Civil War and rode in a hot air balloon for the first time. These superstructures are lighter than air, and two times longer than the Statue of Liberty is high, were able to measure flights in hundreds of miles when others measured success in hundreds of yards.

1. Armored Beasts

July 26, 2014

The first armored fighting machine used on the battlefield were tanks. They were called "land ships" at first, and were championed by Winston Churchill. They were adapted from an American tractor with caterpillar tracks, and was designed in secret to break through the heavily fortified trenches and give our troops protection from heavy artillery. But they broke down and got stuck in the mud during the first combat in the Battle of the Somme. British government propaganda reversed the story and led the way for thousands of tanks to be built and become a weapon in war.

Description

Where to Watch WWI: The First Modern War

WWI: The First Modern War is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch WWI: The First Modern War on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Google Play, Hoopla and Apple TV.