World War I is often overlooked in comparison to the more recent World War II and the fascinating U.S. Civil War. Because in the U.S. the first world war seems to get less coverage, it has become more interesting to me in recent years. But another reason we may know less about World War I today is that it is so darn complicated. Yeah, we know the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand had something to do with it, but how did so many countries end up going to war?
To address this problem and in light of the 100th anniversary of the start of the war, video and podcast producer Chris Wade put together a short video for Slate about how World War I began. Although it goes fast so you have to play close attention, your focus for less than four minutes will be rewarded. At least it takes less time than reading a book. So check out “The July Crisis: How World War I Began.”
Photo of Archduke Franz Ferdinand via Public Domain. What do you find interesting about World War I? Leave your two cents in the comments.
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