The movie "WWI: The War to End All Wars - Part 2: War in the East" is a documentary that explores the Eastern front of World War I. This part of the war is often overlooked in Western history books, yet it played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. The film starts by providing some background information on the situation in Eastern Europe at the outbreak of the war. It explains how tensions had been brewing between the various empires and nations in the region for decades, and how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary provided the spark that ignited the conflict.
The early stages of the war in the East were marked by a series of swift and decisive victories for the Central Powers (Austria-Hungary and Germany). They quickly overran Serbia and pressed deep into Russian territory, pushing the poorly-equipped and badly-led Russian army back towards its heartland. The documentary uses maps and archival footage to bring these battles to life, showing how the terrain and conditions in the East differed from those in the West.
One of the key figures in the war in the East was General Erich von Falkenhayn, the Chief of the German General Staff. He recognized the strategic importance of the Eastern front and advocated for a renewed offensive in 1915. This offensive, known as the Gorlice-Tarnow campaign, was a huge success for the Central Powers. They broke through the Russian lines and captured thousands of prisoners and miles of territory. This success was due in part to the use of new weapons, such as gas and flamethrowers, which were particularly effective in the Eastern theater.
But the documentary also explores the human cost of these battles. It features interviews with historians and descendants of soldiers who fought in the war, as well as archival photographs and diaries. We learn about the brutal conditions in the trenches, the prevalence of disease and illness, and the devastation wrought on civilian populations in the warzone.
In addition to the military aspect of the war, the film also touches on the political and social crises that were taking place in the empires of the East. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of nationalism in the Balkans, and the growing tensions between Russia and Austria-Hungary contributed to a complex and volatile situation on the Eastern front.
The documentary ends by examining the turning point of the war in the East. In 1916, the Russian army launched a massive offensive in an attempt to relieve pressure on their beleaguered forces. However, this offensive was a disaster, with the Russians suffering heavy casualties and making little progress. This defeat marked the beginning of the end for the Russian army, which would be further weakened by the Revolution of 1917.
Overall, "WWI: The War to End All Wars - Part 2: War in the East" is a well-researched and engaging documentary that sheds light on a little-discussed aspect of World War I. It provides a nuanced and detailed account of the military, political, and social factors that contributed to the conflict, and challenges the viewer to reflect on the human toll of war.
