Extra History's World War 1 - Part 4 (The Final Act) - Historian (*Emotional*) Reaction

See the original video here - • World War I: The Semin...
See part 1 of my reaction here - • Historian Reaction - E...
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[@JohnyAngelo]

"And a month later, million men are dead." The ending of this particular video is legendary to me. Its so nicely done.

[@cmasterson]

Think about that shit. 30 days later 1 MILLION MEN DEAD. MY GOD.

[@connoissuer_of_class]

Frances worst military losses prior to this were 30k in one battle. During these 30 days, they were loosing 30k a DAY.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

Those million men were the lucky ones who died before trench warfare started

[@tylersimmons6524]

Not just the million that died in the first few weeks or the 10 million+ to die as a result of the war, or all those that died during the Russian revolution that came out of this war, but also the 70 million+ who lost their lives in the second world war. Imagine, the generations of people lost and the pain endured in the trenches thanks to a few weeks of ineptitude by a handful of men. Tragic.

[@tylersimmons6524]

@@cmasterson 30 years later, 80 million are dead thanks to these decisions.

[@alexandersturnn4530]

War does not determine who's right. Only who's left.

[@XanathosZero]

Russell is such a gem. I really love almost all his quotes.

[@anm10wolvorinenotapanther32]

"The fear of death unified everyone. Because in war, victory meant staying alive"

[@catneko6855]

"Politics Is War without the Death and distruction- And War is Politics with Death and destruction"

[@catneko6855]

And WHAT is left too- least- Now adas- back in the day entire places being entirely destroyed was alot rarer- now- its like tuesday with war....

[@Arantonak]

"In the Great War, We were all orcs." J.R.R. Tolkein

[@thedemocraticfilipino6417]

I remember that he was actually an officer in that war... Truly tragic war.

[@marleyjr00]

My favorite writer. He lived through the War of Wrath.

[@skeeterd5150]

@@marleyjr00 the battle of unnumbered tears.

[@wloffblizz]

@@thedemocraticfilipino6417 Tolkien and his three closest friends from school all fought in WW1. Only one out of these closest friends survived with him. Such a pointless, nonsensical war.

[@EmporerAaron]

If he actually said that I would say its 100% correct.

[@republicofnewengland8648]

Even 6 years since that video came out, it's still hard not to cry to that.

[@micjevan]

Just an opinion, but please don’t hold back the tears when you watch this video. I believe it shows that there’s something redemptive in us that we can be genuinely moved, more than a century later, at the deaths of all these people.

[@akiva2112]

Every God Damm time. I can’t help it.

[@ATW5O3]

amen

[@samwhary5498]

@@micjevan indeed. It is deeply painful to be reminded of those lost, but we must remember, lest more be lost in turn.

[@ambraxis2706]

The same, 8 years from then

[@nadierelevante]

Whenever i reach the ending i can't but tear up: "And a month later a million men are dead" Truly a catastrophe of such magnitude, and noone could stop it in time.

[@DorneysHouseofGames]

Always tear up at the moment a little earlier: “...we are at war”

[@dogood8750]

Hey man, I feel you I do too. Trust me there is no shame as long as the lives of the fallen weren't in vain

[@lamfan3591]

“In Flanders fields….”

[@empress_alex]

@@lamfan3591 ...The poppies blow. Between the crosses, row on row. That mark our place and in the sky, The larks still braving singing, fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. And now we lie in Flander's Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe. To you, from failing hands, we throw the torch. By yours to hold it high, if ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep, yet poppies grow in Flander's Fields. - Poem by John McCrae (30th of November 1872 - 28th January 1918), written in January of 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres.

[@lamfan3591]

@@empress_alex so much for a potential comment chain…

[@tbrizhmdli9546]

you have become my favorite history teacher .

[@Coigreach]

I can see you're trying to hold back tears in the "flanders fields" section of this video. There's no shame in crying to this. I'm a 41 year old man and I cry every time I see the conclusion of this Extra History video. I make a point to cry to it at least once every year.

[@thedarkdragon1437]

Thanks for making me laugh. And it's not the kind of laughing over a reaction, but rather, laughing at humbleness and integrity i myself could never muster. You're an absolute legend!

[@lolipedofin]

I'm glad I watch this and read the comments. I thought I'm alone crying at this. Glad to know a man 6 years my senior cried as well. And now we cry too, watching another great war threaten to engulf Europe as civilians died everyday.

[@Rayen015]

There are 2 songs i know of that will make me cry every time, In Flander's Fields is one and the other is The Green Fields of France. Both are about the dead of World War 1.

[@teamcybr8375]

In the end, it is healthy to weep.

[@Coigreach]

@@Rayen015 There's a third one for me. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. Specifically as performed by Ronnie Drew and the Dubliners.

[@terre5d]

Holy hell, that ending hit me hard. I did not expect a song I heard for the first time to make me cry

[@nelsondoyle1377]

It's actually a poem and when you read the words it hits even harder. "We are the Dead. Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields."

[@kobaltteal7139]

Was written by a Canadian soldier. Really good Poem.

[@Mei_1453]

This hit so hard, rest in peace to the men who fought in ww1... 😔

[@jaredjosephsongheng372]

I mean the thing that probably makes you cry is the Sheer Beautifulness (idk if that's a word) and the Graves and the Knowledge that this war could've been avoided but didn't and caused millions of deaths

[@DJchilcott]

Nicholas II could have just as easily shown strength by putting his foot down and refusing to sign the order for mobilisation.

[@bazil83]

Nicholas II mistook strength for might and force.

[@7shelties]

It’s both tragic and infuriating that even though he could clearly foresee something of the global tragedy of unparalleled destruction and death that would result from his signing the mobilization order that he couldn’t find the strength to refuse. He was such an unqualified and feckless ruler.

[@merlotpapi4930]

Nicholas II could have done so many things and he would've at least have his descendants still rule, perhaps in a lesser role. If he hadn't tried to squash the Duma that he agreed to make at every second, the liberals or a least the Mensheviks would've won out probably.

[@Abhishek-sr2pu]

@@merlotpapi4930 I mean nearly 30% of earth people would do the same if they take his place and nearly 50% would still try to be a autocrat if they take his place. Power is seductive.

[@philip8498]

that is not how strength was understood back then i think. at least not on a scale of nations. russia and serbia are allies, so if russia decides not to help their allies to save, well everyones bacon, it wouldnt be seen that way in the public eye of the world. most of the world would just see that russia is an untrustworthy ally and afraid of the big scary germany. germany or austria hungary with german support would likely make more demands in the near future when there is opportunity and potential allies especially in the balkans but also anywhere else in the world wouldnt know if russia could be trusted to assist them in case of attack. they didnt help serbia so why should they help us? as a nation russia would project weakness to the world and if nicholas basically IS the state, he starts running into problems. there rarely is such a thing as being the better person in this case. peace couldnt come from one side backing down before another but needed to be reached by mutual agreement.

[@thegoosegaming4337]

Flanders fields was written by a Canadian officer who just lost his friend during either second Ypres or passcendale. That song along with the last post at remembrance day memorials has to be some of the saddest things

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

The poem, written by John McCrae, is burned into my mind. My last year in elementary school, we were divided into groups that had to prepare a presentation on Remembrance Day. Each group had to go to a lower grade to present it, and talk to the kids about it. It was my role, in my group, to read the poem at the end. That project open me up to history, and politics, which has since been a prime interest in my life. Stay safe, stay sane, be well

[@ClawedAsh]

It was the second battle of Ypres

[@GiordanDiodato]

sadly he never saw the end of the war as he died over half a year before the end of the War

[@XivioOfTheGreen]

If I remember correctly, it was written in a letter to his mother. He died the day before she received it.

[@theflapjack_1236]

ww1 is one big butterfly effect (dahm that ending hit hard)

[@bigtexgaming7296]

The ending , every time , “ a month later a million men are dead” , there are very few sentences that could hold more weight behind it , even over a century later, they are still remembered, still missed , may God let all the soldiers rest in piece

[@matthings4133]

i live in flanders and almost every graveyard has graves for the ones fallen in ww1 and 2. great video. beautiful song by the canadian John McCrae who died in 1918.

[@ModernWhoFan5B]

In 2014, I was in a Graphic Arts and Design class in High School. We did a few assignments with a lot of independent work. Since it was 2014, I'd made a tribute to the victims and soldiers of the First World War, placing images of people of different nations together on a hill in France, with a poem of my own composition. I was proud of this (and still am- I'd show it off here if I could), and showed it off to my teachers and friends. One teacher almost infuriated me with a comment about their "heroic sacrifices". I told her that wasn't the point. Their deaths weren't heroic, they were pointless and unnecessary, and I told her to read her history. Detention was worth it.

[@kryptoscipher8148]

Why did your teacher send you to detention?

[@ntfoperative9432]

@@kryptoscipher8148 probably because he was being "disrespectful"

[@delftac]

Damn that song hits hard. 15 minutes later and I am still emotional because of it.

[@zafrel]

Just want to let you know, since the lockdown I haven't study a lot, but your videos helped me rekindle my interest in history. Especially your commentary that explains the finer details are very helpful

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I'm glad to hear that. Be safe!

[@drumkommandr9779]

The more i hear about how this started, the more i think it's just two time travelers fighting over the event. I shudder to think that this may be the timeline where the good guy won.

[@eaglewarrior7979]

Ww1 unfortunately would’ve happened remember what Otto von Bismarck said Europe is a powder box one spark and it would explode. I honestly don’t blame either side except Austria. Austria should’ve been given the blame and forced to pay for at least have of the reparations.

[@ethannannic5339]

@@eaglewarrior7979 Considering their entire empire was dissolved alongside many military and politic concessions. They took a pretty harsh hit as well.

[@DeosPraetorian]

@@eaglewarrior7979 Well Germany would have went to war with Russia regardless because they were very worried about Russia's rapid industrialization and they were worried that they wouldn't be able to beat them if they got the rail system fully modernized

[@philip8498]

@@eaglewarrior7979 well, in the end there wasnt really any autria left to pay the bills. the war debt already almost crushed germany so imagine what a strain it would take on an austria and a hungary who lost over half their previous land and therefore economic capacity. and what land was left had an economy that was in such shambles that even if reparations were to be demanded, there wasnt anything to pay them with. germany was basically the only central power with enough economic strength still left in them to pay any kind of reparations. and you couldnt exaclty demand war reparations from the previously austrian lands either because those were given to new nations who were on the allied side. like romania is gonna pay war reparations for a war they won.

[@philip8498]

that would actually be a really interesting book or movie. one guy being sent back in time to prevent WW1 and one other guy (maybe even an older version of the first guy) tries to initiate it to prevent something much worse down the line. how has no one made this yet?

[@thetoekster6728]

I get your emotions so mutch, the last part with the diplomat really struck me

[@tiomball]

Thank you for teaching us something and even letting us share your feelings. Strong Greetings from Germany

[@melkor3496]

I recommend reacting to extra credits Otto von Bismarck series and his series on the Swedish empire.

[@malachiphoniex8501]

Bismarck always has a plan.

[@matter278]

Yes

[@thehoogard]

@@malachiphoniex8501 so did Augustus... keep losing :D

[@brn4meplz]

Of all the great literary works to come from that suffering, The poem In Flanders Fields always gets me.

[@AtlasNL]

Even after having watched the original series for as many times as I have the ending still makes me emotional. That ending man...

[@jeffm1463]

While living in Germany I visited Verdun and saw first hand the forts, the Mausoleum, and the villages laid waste by The Great War.

[@Yamazuya]

As entertaining and informative as your videos are, and they are, the one thing that impresses me most of all is your compassion and respect for those who did not make history but had history happen to them. It is easy to grow distant to the human element when studying history, especially since it so often repeats. But despite the larger picture you always drive home what history means to the people that live it. Thank you.

[@igorsak226]

We need more people like you. Very Inspiring and I can't wait for more.

[@Charles-js3ri]

I study the 1st world war a lot. The lessons to be gained from it are too numerous. The july crisis brings tears to my eyes sometimes. It's like watching a slow motion car crash or someone pulling a grenade pin in a crowd then a few fumble around in vain to put it back in. It's one of those what ifs that breaks your heart to think of the alternative.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

I'm not ashamed to tell you I'm sobbing like a baby right now.

[@hallow6970]

I appreciate your dedication to your channel. Everytime I come home from school and see a new video I can't wait to watch it. So keep up the good work! I promise you your channel will grow if you keep at it! You deserve it.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Thank you TJ. You are very kind.

[@bazil83]

I watched your reaction to this series in full, a while ago but just now checked out some of the other reaction channels to see how they reacted to the ending... You're the only one who genuinely felt the gravity and tragedy of everything that lead up to that final sequence, and what it meant for millions of human lives. Also the only one (I've so far seen) that showed the due respect to leave the full poem to play to the very end. Salute, mate! Best reaction channel.

[@TheMysticMooshroom]

i know this is an old vid now but i just wannna say that your passion and appreciation for these events inspire my own and make me want to learn more. This Extra History Episode really has been the only account of WW1 where i have really thought about the decisions made before the outbreak of war and the subsequent massive loss of life. It really is a tragedy.

[@bornassassin2111]

The amount of knowledge you have is astounding,and remaining humble no matter how much you know and striving to teach others is inspiring.Thank you for your amazing work!

[@ORXJ1992]

Chris, I just watched this series for the first time this evening. The mistakes that were made - The hubris... And the way that they tied it all together at the end. I was falling apart right there with you. I'm beyond grateful that your channel showed up in my suggestions months back. Thank you for all the perspective, passion, and information you share.

[@elthonmaria7959]

A year and a half ago, when this series was brand new, I started watching your channel; I was a fan of Extra Credits and the algorithm recommended you. I watched and enjoyed your insights, the additional info, and the commentary. Video by video, I followed your journey along this Tragedy. And when we got to the end, my tears started to roll, and I saw your teary eyes, I subscribed. Because then and there, I knew I was in the right place.

[@7Seraphem7]

Oofffff.... yeah the end of this always hits hard. EH does some amazing stuff, an almost impossible seeming mix of detail, humor, explanation, information, and emotion just as it's needed. And the shear scope of history from all over the world they cover is staggering. Loved your reactions to it as well, as said, a great mix of extra added details, reactions, engagement, definitely looking forward to more of them on their stuff!

[@quaint9994]

Honestly, the best historian I've ever had the pleasure to watch. Even though you aren't an expert with everything you put your emotion into it and make it personal to YOU. Thank you for your videos, it completely gives a different perspective on every moment in history.

[@Ken-fh4jc]

I go back to the series at least once a year and cry at the end every single time.

[@ritheshofficial]

me too.

[@nicolasnod7359]

Damn, that's a reaction right there. I am really enjoying the channel, I think the people you react to are great picks, and that your inputs into their videos add a lot of important information. We share a lot of opinions on many historical matters, and I respect your opinion a lot, which helps inmensly when learning from (and sometimes with) someone. And that reaction there at the end, shows how involved you get with the material, this adds to how much I like this. Thank you for doing this, and sharing your knowledge and opinions with the rest of us. This series was great, I loved how it was the past build up, the actual build the up, the boilling point and the start, passing most of the war through the most simple yet most improtant matter that is how much lives it cost, and your input of the reprecussions in it's future, if I could like it ten times I would.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Appreciate that Nicolas! This has been one of my favorite series I've ever done. They really put the story together in a compelling way.

[@benjaminmatheny6683]

World War 1 has always struck me as the most tragic of the wars. It spiraled out into a massive conflict sparked from a relatively minor event. Because of that there isn't really a great narrative to build over who's at fault, no just call to action. Some wars share that characteristic, but none of them saw as many die as the First World War.

[@KNGZigg]

Your story about the man who died a day before the Armistice really puts into perspective to me the tragedy of the war. In Flanders Fields is really up there with Taps in how powerful it is at eliciting that kind of emotion. But on top of all that, I'll probably never meet the descendants of Pvt. Harry Sowers, but I'll do my best to remember him as another life cut short by a needless war. I salute him and all the others who died. You've also become my favorite reaction channel on KZbin by the way; your commentary is always so good at adding meaningful content to the videos you watch. Congrats on 100k subs!

[@DeosPraetorian]

Even more tragic are those that were killed after it was signed

[@ntfoperative9432]

@@DeosPraetorianif I’m right, the day the Armistice came into effect 200 thousand men died, either in pointless attacks ordered by superiors, or by soldiers who didn’t want to let the war go

[@yugiohmastermind8]

Loved your reaction to this series! It'd be really cool if you reacted to Epic History's 4 part series on WW1 as well!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Definitely will

[@tidusrodriguez5096]

Naturally we have the hindsight to recognize each of these points in history, but it really does make you feel like something was guiding this all along. So many missed opportunities and unfortunate events, some we could have controlled, others we couldn't have. The perfect storm to a true tragedy. Thanks for the reaction! For some reason it was easier to take it all in with your added commentary.

[@lolipedofin]

I thought these series, and then ending is sure to struck a chord with everyone out there. But looking at all the reactors, you were the only one who is able to truly understand and fathom, what a tragedy and catastrophy the whole war, and the build up to it were. Much respect to you, sir.

[@jejeakle]

The ending always gets me. You should check out the Christmas truce

[@nigeh5326]

I had never heard the song at the end before or seen some of the photographs used. But it really touched a nerve and took me back to my visit to Ypres where I paid my respects to not only British and Commonwealth-troops buried in Tynecot but also the German troops buried in Langemark cemetery. I admit I had tears in my eyes at both locations as I thought of the wasted lives of so many young men who died because of the failings of others. We all need to hope humanity never again falls into the abyss of a world war there for the consequences for all of us would be beyond imagination given the power of modern weapons. My thanks to you, Chris and to Extra History for this series of videos on WW1, the war to end all wars, that instead lead the way to WW2, the Cold War and numerous other conflicts.

[@matheusborges196]

I discovered your channel today and instantly loved the videos,keep up the good work!

[@silentd_6]

Really enjoy ur little extra bits of information throughout the videos. Keep up the great videos

[@Wingyy1995]

you can never go wrong with Extra Credits, they're so good, the intro is my notification sound on my phone ahhah! Also, I've watched their videos hundreds of times, all the war, D-Day, medical history (am a med student at uni so helps validate my class learning) etc and it never gets old, but then watching your reaction is just so much better! Looking forward to more of your reactions to EC and OS soon!!

[@diefranzi]

I wish u were my history teacher. I taught myself most of the knowledge i know concerning ww1 and ww2, even though i am from austria! Would be a blast.

[@jomac841]

This is incredibly emotional. I got choked up at the end. To think that so many little coincidences snowballed into global war is heartbreaking. I’m grateful that my paternal grandfather was one of the lucky ones (as I am also grateful that my maternal grandfather survived WW2). So many others weren’t as fortunate. The song at the end is a beautiful tribute to the fallen, written by fellow Canadian Lt. Col John McCrae. Lest we forget

[@gianzimnis6282]

I just teared up listening to this driving and it was hard not to break down. I love this channel.

[@Pfisiar22]

Had an additional thought regarding the halt in belgrade plan and the lack of phone line between berlin and potsdam. WWI happened at precisely the right time for communication to be quick enough that the passage of time can't let tempers cool down and slow enough that vital information can't get to where it needs to before it's useless. This lack of communication will almost lead to WWIII in the 60s as well. Although, we did learn from that and direct communication with heads of government is much much more common these days.

[@pchris0074]

Great commentary on a great series from Extra History.

[@Harleopet]

That last part of your own research hit like a nail on the head on top of the ending of the video, what a perfect yet tragic story to end this 4-part videos on.

[@aliceosako792]

One of the smaller ironies is that Hotzendorff had been pushing for a war against Serbia for *years* before this, but when it actually comes, he gets caught off-guard.

[@chrisigoeb]

Pretty awesome good reaction! Maybe you wanna do more reactions to Military songs. "Der Tod in Flandern" is basically the German version of In flanders fields, also a very awesome song

[@S0ph1st3s]

I recommend this video and this series as the best of this channel. Keep tiktok, this is content that has depth and leaves you better than you found it.

[@jxhsett9188]

This is one of the realest videos I have seen, real human tragedy, and seeing present day people who have had ancestors who have been affected by this war 100 years ago,

[@TheMasonK]

Underrated channel! Love the content bro!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Appreciate that!

[@TheMasonK]

@@VloggingThroughHistory I would agree that world war 1 was inevitable but the treaty of Versailles was the worst decision in history. World War 2 wasn’t as inevitable in my opinion if the treaty of Versailles didn’t punish the Germans as much as it did. I believe there would’ve been some kind of war again but nothing nearly as bad as WW2 was.

[@weasel_town4870]

This was the first time I've seen this series and the chills... I can't put it into words what that song did to me emotionally. Kudos to Extra Credits in their presentation of this story and capping it off that way.

[@joshcipak]

Dude your so imformative and love your vids. Very well spoken. Respect to you sir

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Thank you Josh.

[@JABRIEL251]

It is honestly heartbreaking reading Pourtalès pleas against war to Sazonov. It is one of so many moments leading to the war that truly feel unreal. As if it was all a tragic play. But it happened. What is most heartbreaking about WW1 is that there were so many moments that could've stopped it. So many lives lost, because leaders failed to be leaders. Who knows what the world would look like if any one of these moments had stuck. It would've changed the course of history or maybe it truly was inevitable. Ultimately, it doesn't matter. It happened. As unbelievable as it can seem in hindsight, it happened and there's nothing we can do but learn from it. Have we?

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

This series has been incredible! I am a big WW2 nut, but overtime have transitioned to WW1. I learned a lot about the diplomatic dealings that went on before war was declared. Thanks for this series! Stay safe, stay sane, be well

[@miljangrehovic8936]

@18:20 a picture of a Serbian officer on the grave of his son who died as a soldier

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Thanks for pointing that out!

[@SimuLord]

"In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons." - Herodotus

[@joshuahernandez3216]

17:06 You wiping away tears for a war that's over 100 years old, very touching.

[@riverlady982]

That song and pictures at the end is enough to nearly make me cry.

[@bustersanderson9727]

To this day, That series is the best thing Extra Credits has ever Done and that ending hits like a truck. That song is based on the poem by the late Canadian Doctor John Mcrae after the death of his friend May 2nd 1915 after seeing the poppies in full bloom amongst the row upon row of crosses. He actually threw the poem away at first but a comrade picked it up and sent it in. It was published in a London newspaper in December.

[@wizard_harry1180]

Just discovered this channel a month ago and now I’ve watched Around 30 vids alreadt

[@bw9040]

For real about something pushing everything. Feels like a Sherlock Holmes plot.

[@blaximperia]

In hindsight we’re talking about the things that could have stopped WWI and its subsequent wars from happening. Regretting these. But who knows, there could have been other small incidents these days that could have sparked WWIII and perhaps the end of mankind, but were prevented from happening. I take comfort in that thought.

[@AndresHernandez-xm2um]

This actually brought me to tears it broke my heart

[@strobex3298]

I really enjoyed your reaction. I hope you do more Extra Credits videos.

[@samwhary5498]

I have no words. It is difficult to express the feelings this entry has given me.

[@curtisroberts4269]

And this is why history is so important for our children to learn! Even in our modern day, looking back at events such as these, there is a lesson here: that bravery and strength without WISDOM is recklessness, and so often the innocent pay for it.

[@LCBanga]

Man I would love a collaboration with you Mr Terry History. You guys are my 2 favorite history channels.

[@randycampbell6307]

Something to keep in mind while we're at it; As powerful and ending as it makes you have to keep "In Flanders Fields" in context. It was not about regret over loss in the Great War but it was about not letting the "honored dead" down by NOT continuing the fight until the "end". The poem was written to revitalize and re-energize the British and Canadian will to fight on and oddly enough it became a song used to eulogize and commemorate the tragedy of the Great War when the original poem was aimed at the opposite outcome.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Appreciate you adding that context. Thanks Randy!

[@LunaS043]

I always cry when the song starts. It is such a poinient reminder of the lives lost and the insanity that was that war, and how the people who survived it didn't learn a thing and allowed for the next war to happen because of their actions.

[@PantherJaguar]

The tens of millions of deaths not just from this war but also from World War 2 is even more heartbreaking after learning of all the chances they had to avert war.

[@matthewarsenault463]

Someone who loves history this is one of the only videos that makes me tear up a bit so many times it could have been averted think of all the people who lost their lives

[@1anfinity08]

Even when I watched this video about WW1 I just can't help but tear up in the end

[@lesalbro8880]

In retrospect, one of the things that surprises me is that the critical impact of the Bosnian Annexation Crisis of 1908-09 on these events was never mentioned. It fueled Serbian enmity towards Austria-Hungary, to a large extent justifiably. It created a greater determination on Russia's part to not bow to German pressure next time, which happened to be during the July Crisis of 1914. It even created the very opportunity for the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in the first place, as he would've never been in Sarajevo if the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina had been prevented. I believe this created a scenario where: 1. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans were overconfident that Russia would back down again. 2. The Russians were determined not to back down again because they would lose all influence and prestige with their Balkan allies. 3. It fostered the view among the Great Powers that, in the end, the diplomatic machinery in place was still sufficient to prevent any catastrophe.

[@zomball5610]

Every year in school we have a remembrance day assembly and this song is always played. It always gets me, every single time.

[@chuckiesthis]

I always cry at the end of this extra history series

[@Parsons360]

Would've liked to hear more about the British Empire thoughts on this unfolding considering their global power

[@HellStr82]

it died just like the rest of the empires...slow death

[@XaviRonaldo0]

The UK was a constitutional monarchy at this point. It was a monarchy in name only.

[@alexaflowers3732]

Actually made me cry hysterically

[@Yora21]

The important thing is, everyone who's making the decision to have a war is not expecting it to be the Great War.

[@Rincy42]

On the contrary, I think very often they expect the war to be great, but for them and their side. Just Like Croesus for example had the Oracle Tell him an Empire would end If he went to war with the persians. So he did, lost the war and His lydian empire ended...

[@Yora21]

@@Rincy42 They certainly expected it to be a huge glorious victory, but I think they were expecting something like the Franco-Prussian War, not World War 1.

[@amberfuller16]

it makes me cry every time

[@TwentyNinerR]

Having watched the EH reaction series, all I can say is that the great catastrophe that is WW I can be averted if cooler and wiser heads prevail.

[@AKAHEIZER]

The red poppies can withstand years waiting in the ground for just the right moment. This moment came when the ground was disturbed by granates, full of nutrition (Dead), they appeared between the trenches in "no man's lands" , hundreds and thousands of them, and like so many young men in and between the trenches... ...they blossom only for 1 Day.

[@jkent9915]

The Cult of the Offensive is applicable in many things, especially games. It’s one of the few things that really ties games like Call of Duty to Chess. When you are attacking, things are on your terms. You control: momentum, locations, engagement types, etc

[@heathconrad7168]

Great video 👍

[@emperorofrome692]

You should react to the WWI series by Epic History TV. It goes into a lot of great detail about the war itself and is a great follow-up to this series. That channel also has other great series on the Napoleonic Wars and Alexander The Great's conquests.

[@edstockton3685]

There needs to be a film made about this and not just because it's seldom taught or covered in documentaries but the very image of Portalés sinking to his knees begging Sazanov to call the Russians off before shots are literally fired is so heartbreaking knowing what comes next.

[@DW7139]

that ending.. goosebumps

[@SephirothRyu]

Repeat after me: "If I ever lead a nation. I will never. Go. On. Vacation. To anywhere. I cannot be immediately reached and assume full emergency command duties."

[@xXMrNevermanXx]

Looking back onto all this, I always remember one quote from a game character named Javik from Mass Effect 3: "Stand amongst the ashes of a trillion dead souls, and ask the ghosts if honor matters. The silence is your answer." Even if the scale is worlds apart, the quote nails it just the same. I just wept...

[@marleyjr00]

Good ole Javik. Yeah the Protheans would know a thing or two about this type of conflict.

[@adarkwind4712]

@@marleyjr00 admittedly I don’t think they knew much about honor from the snippets of info we get about their empire.

[@veryscousemike7822]

The song got me man, such a waste of life. A beautiful, impactful ending to the video full of sorrow and highlights what impact one man can have over so many peoples lives

[@debrickashaw9387]

Yup, this video broke me

[@kentuckyfried9499]

A quote I remember hearing war is just old men talking and young men dying. Or something like that. This video really makes that feel very true.

[@Vinclum]

8:07 cant blame him for it, the german foreign ministry kept news of all incident from reaching him because they felt his pacifistic nature would stop war.

[@abhishekhjonathanrathnam1209]

This is the most emotional video ever. What would have been a world without these mistakes 😥😥😥