1x2 - World War 1 - 1914

June 6, 2015

Here’s a further trimmed version: *World War One - 1914* explores the alliances of Europe, including the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which sparked the war. Imperial rivalries and alliances fueled the conflict, though US President Wilson kept America out. Germany invaded France and Belgium but was stopped at the Battle of the Marne, leading to a stalemate of trench warfare. Britain blockaded Germany after winning the first naval battle at Heligoland Bight. In the East, Germany triumphed at Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes, while Austria-Hungary suffered heavy losses. Colonial forces clashed in Africa and the Pacific, with Japan capturing Tsingtao. By winter 1914, failed offensives and high casualties on all fronts crushed hopes of a short war. The first Christmas saw brief peace with football in No Man's Land.