Storyline

A milestone 26-part history of the First World War, conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of its outbreak.

First Aired

1964-05-30
Last Aired

1964-11-22
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

26
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC Two

Keywords:

world war i

Stream and watch The Great War

Season 1

1. On the Idle Hill of Summer...

In 1914, the world was on the brink of enormous change. Worried by increasing German militarism, the F...More

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 allies, splitting Europe into opposing sides. Two shots would ignite the powder keg.Less

40mins 1964-05-30

2. For Such a Stupid Reason Too...

The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 led to a breakdow...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-06-06

3. We Must Hack Our Way Through

Following the declaration of war, the German army began to carry out one of the most famous military p...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-06-13

4. Our Hats We Doff to General Joffre

How the British army fought its first battle at the Belgian town of Mons. Despite initial success, the...More

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 forward to Paris, apparently invincible, French Commander-in-Chief General Joffre slowly began to build a more solid resistance – which would lead ultimately to Allied victory.Less

40mins 1964-06-20

5. This Business May Last a Long Time

The Battle of the Marne in September 1914 ultimately proved to be a pivotal victory of the war for All...More

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 to hostilities. Instead, both sides encountered the phenomenon of trench warfare. Culminating at Ypres late in 1914, the trench line stretched from the sea to Switzerland.Less

40mins 1964-06-27

6. So Sleep Easy in Your Beds

Attention turns to the battle of the sea. British confidence in the Royal Navy was to be shattered as ...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-07-04

7. We Await the Heavenly Manna...

In 1915, France and Britain struggle to keep up with the demand for shells and artillery, but Germany ...More

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 switched over to war production and introduced the use of gas made by chemical factories. The Allies discover democracy and laissez-faire industry will not suffice if they are to regain ground.Less

40mins 1964-07-11

8. Why Don't You Come and Help?!

As Minister of Munitions, David Loyd George was faced with a restricted industrial capability; Britain...More

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 equipment, Lloyd George brought troops up to date, and by 1916 had transformed the armed services into a modern military power.Less

40mins 1964-07-18

9. Please God Send Us a Victory...

By Christmas 1914, the bloody impasse in the trench lines on the Western Front saw Lord Kitchener look...More

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 British naval expedition advanced on the Dardanelles, and allied troops landed at Gallipoli with the aim of taking Constantinople. However, events did not go according to plan and, after 37 weeks, soldiers were evacuated from the beaches.Less

40mins 1964-07-25

10. What Are Our Allies Doing?

1915 brings little progress for the Allies, but a huge German offensive at Gorlice-Tarnow forces the R...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-08-01

11. Hell Cannot Be So Terrible

One of the bloodiest battles in history, the fighting at Verdun continues throughout the year 1916. Fr...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-08-08

12. For Gawd's Sake Don't Send Me

Following Lord Kitchener's appeal in 1916, the British Army was reinforced by over two million volunte...More

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 Commander-in-Chief, many of these mew recruits were sent to the scene of Britain's biggest military endevour – The Battle of the Somme.Less

40mins 1964-08-15

13. The Devil is Coming...

The Battle of the Somme – which began in July 1916 and continued into February 19 – leaves 415,000 Bri...More

The Battle of the Somme – which began in July 1916 and continued into February 19 – leaves 415,000 Brits in a muddy grave.Less

40mins 1964-08-22

14. All This It Is Our Duty to Bear

Both sides make heroic bids for victory – but what will they have to show for it?

Both sides make heroic bids for victory – but what will they have to show for it?Less

40mins 1964-08-29

15. We Are Betrayed, Sold, Lost

The French Army is rallied for a great spring offensive – but mutiny looms when the plans fall foul of...More

The French Army is rallied for a great spring offensive – but mutiny looms when the plans fall foul of the Germans.Less

40mins 1964-09-05

16. Right Is More Precious Than Peace

The future of the world is changed when America joins the conflict and the Communists come to power in...More

The future of the world is changed when America joins the conflict and the Communists come to power in Russia.Less

40mins 1964-09-13

17. Surely We Have Perished

On the Western Front in 1917, the British fought alone for three-and-a-half months during one of the w...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-09-20

18. Fat Rodzianko Has Sent Me Some Nonsense

Russia's short-lived democracy is examined.

Russia's short-lived democracy is examined.Less

40mins 1964-09-27

19. The Hell Where Youth and Laughter Go

This episode recounts the war's terrible effects; not just the scale of the loss of life, but also the...More

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.Less

40mins 1964-10-04

20. Only War, Nothing but War

Exploring how modern ideas of states' responsibility for their citizens grew out of the horror of "tot...More

Exploring how modern ideas of states' responsibility for their citizens grew out of the horror of "total war".Less

40mins 1964-10-11

21. It Was like the End of the World

The story of the German offensive of March 1918, a desperate gamble to grab victory at a stroke.

The story of the German offensive of March 1918, a desperate gamble to grab victory at a stroke.Less

40mins 1964-10-18

22. Damn Them, Are They Never Coming In?

As Allied troops fall back in confusion under a German counter-attack, they wait for the arrival of US...More

As Allied troops fall back in confusion under a German counter-attack, they wait for the arrival of US reinforcements.Less

40mins 1964-10-25

23. When Must the End Be?

On 17th July 1918, an Allied counter-attack marks the beginning of the end for Germany.

On 17th July 1918, an Allied counter-attack marks the beginning of the end for Germany.Less

40mins 1964-11-01

24. Allah Made Mesopotamia – and Added Flies

Stalemate on the Western Front saw Allied generals look for victory via an alternative route – the Mid...More

Stalemate on the Western Front saw Allied generals look for victory via an alternative route – the Middle East.Less

40mins 1964-11-08

25. The Iron Thrones Are Falling

Its allies beaten, Germany faces defeat alone.

Its allies beaten, Germany faces defeat alone.Less

40mins 1964-11-15

26. ...And We Were Young

Relief spreads throgh the ranks on all sides as history's bloodiest conflict finally comes to an end. ...More

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.Less