Apocalypse – World War I – Fury

The documentary “Apocalypse – World War I: Fury” is the first part of a five-part series available on YouTube. The documentary provides a glimpse into the events leading up to World War I and the devastating consequences of the conflict.

The documentary starts with a brief introduction explaining that cameramen from around the world risked their lives to film the war and that some scenes were recreated afterward to be preserved for future generations. The images have been enhanced with color and sound.

The documentary shows scenes from November 11th, 1918, when the armistice was signed, ending the war. Bugles and church bells can be heard in the background. Moments before the ceasefire, a Canadian private named George Lawrence Price was killed, making him the last fallen soldier of the war.

The documentary highlights the staggering numbers of people affected by the war. Nearly 80 million people were plunged into war, with 10 million soldiers dying and 20 million more being wounded. Many lost their youth, face, or sanity.

The documentary goes back to the early 1900s, a time of great optimism and peace in Europe, but not for all. Workers put in twice the number of hours they do today but earned only half as much. Women earned far less, and children under 12 still worked in mines in France.

The documentary shows the great European powers preparing for war, with endless military service training men to fight. The arms race was good for business, and the great powers divided up the world with their swords.

Germany, in particular, wanted a larger slice of the pie, having annexed the French provinces of Alsace and Lorraine and building a navy to rival Britain’s.

The documentary highlights the tensions between the various empires, with Germany feeling surrounded and vulnerable, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled over by an aging emperor opposed to reform.

It was in Bosnia, a newly annexed territory, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place, sparking the chain of events that led to the war.

Overall, the documentary provides a brief but informative look at the events leading up to World War I and the devastating consequences of the conflict.