Historian Reacts - CHRISTMAS TRUCE by Sabaton

[@ZFire2020]

"There is no enemy, there is no victory, only boys who lost their lives in the sand" -Cliffs of Gallipoli This line can apply to pretty much any war that's happened within the last 100+ years

[@aaabatteries5728]

vietnam

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

Not really. It’s applicable to wars fought mainly by USA. But suppose, the India Pakistan war of 1971- India stopped a genocide and helped create a stable nation, with pretty minimum casualties. That was a war which had a purpose, despite being a tragedy.

[@FriendlySniperYT]

@@dragonstormdipro1013 The US isn't special when it comes to war. War is horrible, and every unfortunate man who falls under the gun will be respected for his bravery and sacrifice, no matter what country he was from. War is cruelty and hate, learn from the past, don't let history repeat iself. Lest we forget.

[@moreauclement9702]

@@dragonstormdipro1013 Well, WW1 was mostly "played" without the USA whjo only intervene in the last 6 month or so. Yet this war was horrible and totally pointless.

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

@@FriendlySniperYT Yeah can't disagree

[@richeybaumann1755]

I love randomly finding out that Sabaton has released a new song, especially when that song turns out to be amazing.

[@brendanhart517]

So every new song?

[@trololopez2437]

Same, when I first saw it i was like “it’s December already!?” But no. It’s still a banger tho

[@thes.a.s.s.1361]

@@brendanhart517 yes, I love all their stuff.

[@carston101]

Right?? Was looking for songs to add to my playlist and stumbled upon this song and saw "uploaded 12 hours ago". Like, Christmas came early (no pun intended)

[@aidan4472]

Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down?!

[@lionellines6351]

He looks so emotional. This song is a tear-wrenched, that’s for sure.

[@johndee277]

If you don't tear up you need to check your audio settings.

[@jorgedasilva7665]

@@johndee277 Truth.

[@kaisercaliberhistory3533]

After the officers got wind of this, many of them tried to make sure this never happened again; and although there were some isolated instances of truces happening again during the Christmas of 1915, there was so much bad blood by that point that many wouldn’t have partaken anyway. Many of the French didn’t even partake in the truces of 1914, as they were much more bitter towards the Germans than the English were at that point in the war.

[@Hockey-gn2tj]

Making friends with your enemy is not good for the mental health of the soldiers

[@luc-zq7ku]

true, and to be sure the truces didn't extend, most regiment where swaped so they would not know who was in front of them and so least likely to fraternise

[@Real_Mick3y6]

To me, this is why the old men in fancy clothes are the true villains and enemies. They order the young and stupid to die, more and more for no reason. It's so sad

[@Lowlandlord]

The troops also got better at not letting their officers know they weren't fighting, and keeping secrets. There are areas where truces were the normal order of the day, regardless of a holiday or not, for much of the war. Warnings when shooting was going to happen, or shooting and intentionally missing, doing the bare minimum to make it looks like you were fighting, when you weren't. It's worth remembering, most soldiers never willingly shot another person at all, a study from WW2 (by a guy named Marshall) only gives about 15% as an average for percentage of American soldiers who shot at the enemy with the intention of hitting them, and although there were problems with the study (later revealed by Spiller), that percentage is still generally considered about realistic, if not accurate. These kinds of things are complicated, how many people behave in what way under what circumstances, and how accurate those circumstances are based on biased reporting from officers who have reasons for covering things up.

[@Awells89]

The movie Joyeux Noël goes into what these soldiers went through after the truce and I ended up feeling bad for the Germans the most by the end. Because they are punished in the movie by being sent to the eastern front without even being able to say goodbye to their families in Germany.

[@p75369]

7:45 This sentiment always brings to mind one famous exchange from M.A.S.H. Hawkeye: War isn’t Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse. Father Mulcahy: How do you figure that, Hawkeye? Hawkeye: Easy, Father. Tell me, who goes to Hell? Father Mulcahy: Um, sinners, I believe. Hawkeye: Exactly. There are no innocent bystanders in Hell, but war is chock full of them - little kids, cripples, old ladies. In fact, except for a few of the brass, almost everybody involved is an innocent bystander.

[@stefanstock953]

greetings and love from germany...awe, i just love M.A.S.H.....i watched the complete seasons/serie at least 20 times....and cried & laughed so many tears....best, ever...stay safe, my friend

[@frizzykid100]

I really love stories like this that humanize both sides in war. "A lot of those boys dying on the German side during WW1/WW2 were victims of circumstance, they weren't bad guys, just caught up in a war with other people", really couldn't have said it better myself. As I've been learning more and more about WW1 and WW2, you see it everywhere, and I love how Sabaton captures that message very well in a lot of their WW1/WW2 songs. As always, thank you history guy for another great video!

[@PInnHeAd]

I think it is mainly because that sabaton never glorifies either side, war or fighting in any form, they glorify the soldiers, heroes and just regular people doing amazing things in times of war! There is no room for hate in sabaton songs, only admiration for the people, any people.

[@BlargeMan]

This is true. A lot of those German soldiers, moreso in the Wehrmacht than the Waffen or SS or Panzer divisions, were not ideologically possessed, evil Nazis. At least, the concentration was not nearly so high. Most did not know about the true horror of the Holocaust. Many German soldiers were also very honorable. But they were fooled into taking part in an evil and unnecessary war by appeals to patriotic duty to the Fatherland, to further the horrific goals of a truly evil regime. Which unfortunately necessitated their death and defeat. That's the true tragedy of war, even if someone is not personally evil they could still be working for an evil cause, whether or not they know it, and must still be fought.

[@brigidtheirish]

@@BlargeMan The SS were all dedicated Nazi party members. Front line troops were just regular guys, mostly with no idea what horrors were being committed behind them.

[@Aa_ron]

This song deserves to be number 1 all across the world for Christmas. A brilliant reminder of humanity even during such horrific times

[@Jack10016]

Sainsbury’s (a store over here in the UK) did an incredible advertisement based on the Truce of 1914 for Christmas on the 100th anniversary of the truce, you should definitely check that out too.

[@theofficialy1b]

Yep I saw it I liked that ad a lot

[@fredo3656]

Sainsbury’s pizza is very good 👍🏼

[@tomboz777]

The original one with The Wicked Flee is the only one you need to watch.

[@edwardkenway148]

I'm pretty sure sabaton's video took inspiration from it

[@xJamesLaughx]

The opening of this song gives me a very Trans SIberian Orchestra feel and that is a great thing. This is probably going to be one of my all time favorites of Sabatons. And to top it off the ending credits having the voice of a singer I would recognize anywhere, the amazing Floor Jansen of Nightwish...two of my all time favorites in one song, I am in heaven.

[@chrisumana7644]

They were definitely channeling their inner Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Imagine Sabaton touring with TSO, Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve Sarajevo leading into Joakim Broden playing the piano intro for Christmas Truce

[@memecliparchives2254]

Regular Show also gave me that vibes

[@triviumd13]

Hey, didn’t know if you knew, but Floor Jansen is married to the drummer of Sabaton Hannes Van Dahl 🤟

[@xJamesLaughx]

@@triviumd13 Yeah I knew that already. I have been a major fan of and have been listening to Sabaton and Nightwish for years. I honestly do not think there is anyone who does NOT know by now. I mean every single time someone seems to post that fact in every single video reaction to a Nightwish or Sabaton song I have ever seen on Yotube LOL. It is to the point that I kind of expect to see it in the comments and if I don't I instantly think "well these commenters are slacking" LOL.

[@AO968]

@@xJamesLaughx Any self-respecting Ssbaton-fan knows this, so at this point, I'm willing to entertain the thought that anyone who brings that up in a Sabaton reaction video is trolling and is just trying to get someone to respond, thinking they're serious.

[@drakewheeler8698]

I am a classical Composer in my first year of composition program in my local university, kind of grew up listening to so many things but never was I introduced to stuff like Sabaton. I am absolutely blown away, I got chills at the end. Thank you VTH for introducing me to Sabaton.

[@gundamheavyarms4879]

We Sabaton fans are called the Panzer Division, and I welcome you into our ranks! Enjoy the breathtaking music! 😊

[@ldorman]

I am always baffled when I meet people who study classical music, don't seem to aware of any other music genre. They seem to live in their own tiny bubble. Back in the early 90s, our music teacher in school, he was quite a character used to say, that Rock/Metal are related to classical music and a lot of kids laugh. When I got older I came across more and more articles from musicians and even conservatories claiming this. There is a handful of musicians wo play rock/metal with a classical background - probably the reason their music is so good. Quick to my mind comes Randy Rhoads and Serj Tankian.

[@drakewheeler8698]

@@ldorman Honestly. I can say thats true for very few styles. Sure, I am exposed to ALOT of music. Although I am classically trained, in my free time I mostly jam out to 50's, 60's doo-wop and mostly groups. One of the things I enjoy about composition is honestly I can listen to just about anything and gather enormous amounts of information. To continue, it's not necessarily I'm not aware. It's just I haven't found any musician from these styles to enjoy apart from Sabaton and the few you recommended.

[@PaladinPoppie]

@@drakewheeler8698 Floor Jansen doing her thing in the end. She’s an amazing vocalist. If you loved the ending then you’ll love her music. I always wanted her and SABATON to collaborate!!! So glad they did it.

[@PaladinPoppie]

@@drakewheeler8698 Floor Jansen doing her thing in the end. She’s an amazing vocalist. If you loved the ending then you’ll love her music. I always wanted her and SABATON to collaborate!!! So glad they did it.

[@piercepayumo4212]

Narrator: "They push-we push. Every once in a while, we push hard enough that the light breaks through the clouds... so the world beyond the war glimmers... just out of reach. The war is the world and the world is the war. But behind every gunsight is a human being. We are those people. We are the jaded and we are the naive. We are the honorable and we are the criminal. We are the bound-for-legend and we are the lost-to-history. We are the knights of the sky, the ghosts in the desert, and the rats in the mud. These are our stories."

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

Bf1

[@nukeofficial1103]

I bought BF1 for the first mission alone, and honestly, worth it.

[@damonbryan7232]

Being a combat vet. One thing I learned. The hardest thing to keep alive in combat. Is your humanity. My great grandfather lived long enough to tell us about ww1. He was a major in the German Army. He told us about giving orders to his men. Never to shoot on Christmas day. He said it was the only orders he never regrets giving.

[@bigtexgaming7296]

Your great grandfather was a good man , you should be proud to have known him , I would have loved to hear his stories

[@kevinpeng8295]

Thank you both for your service!

[@Kaarne]

The song made my eyes tear up. It's so gorgeous. The "Khaki Chums Christmas Truce" cross is located near the Christmas Truce 1914 Memorial in Comines-Warneton, Belgium.

[@minotaur-]

That must been such a sad timing during the war. You first shoot your enemy and then you become friends for a day or more and later you are forced to kill your newly made friends. Also seeing the dead man when you celebrate together must been hard. Can't imagine to be in their shoes

[@cebenify]

It's even worse when they sang, ate, drank, smoked, and played football together. They even exchanged each other's gifts and letters

[@CptPhilippnes]

Even worse was that this was the FIRST Christmas of WW1 as in 1914. Pity the war didn't end soon after.

[@vodkawhisperer3923]

Confusion

[@myfairlady343]

@@CptPhilippnes well i think the longer the war went the greater the hate between the two sides grew. Don't forget ww1 was just a few months in when that occurred

[@afmghost1759]

I would have just isolated myself in my trench. I would have been unable to pull the trigger when the fighting continued

[@Angelos42]

Do listen to the credits though. That is Floor Jansen singing, absolutely beautiful.

[@miafranlund6982]

I absolutely love the song...it's amazing in so many ways. The passion that Joakim plays with...and the emotions shown in his voice... Oh my god!! Then the transition between the guitar and the piano!! Amazing song about an amazing story that ends with Floors aerial voice. Waow!!

[@KaiGermann]

In my school we watched a WW1 movie about a German soldier. He stabbed a French man at the front. Because he is not dead immediately, they spend the night together and he reads the letters he has with him. That was also very emotional. The movie is called "Im Westen nichts Neues" / "All Quiet on the Western Front" Greetings from Dresden, Germany

[@whitechapel8959]

My great great grandfather and great great grandmother were there when the truce happened, he said this: "Leaders stated this war, we are just brothers and fathers of gods creation condemned to destroy eachother, we will always be brothers, no matter what happens in this war.- Muller Weber, 1914.

[@ForgottenHonor0]

This is officially my all time favorite Christmas song, now!

[@HALberdier17]

It makes sense that Sabaton did a "Christmas" song. Tommy has a Christmas album with his other band, Majestica. They also released some more Christmas songs this year.

[@buddylee83]

The cigar event you were thinking of was actually a General: "On Christmas Day, Brigadier-General Walter Congreve, commander of the 18th Infantry Brigade, stationed near Neuve Chapelle, wrote a letter recalling the Germans declared a truce for the day. One of his men bravely lifted his head above the parapet and others from both sides walked onto no man's land. Officers and men shook hands and exchanged cigarettes and cigars, one of his captains "smoked a cigar with the best shot in the German army", the latter no more than 18 years old." There are also stories that a lot of troops had to be moved around after the truce, because they refused to fight the soldiers they had become friends with during Christmas.

[@reginaldo8597]

An interesting fact, the credits vocals are delivered by Floor Jansen herself.

[@Happymali10]

I wonder if they'll let Joakim play the piano when they perform this live. He sure can, since he came to the band as a keyboarder. Also that part where the music cuts out must be amazing as crowd participation.

[@Ms_Sadiya_]

That "Welcome back everyone", and smile makes me so happy :D I'm really bad at listening to lyrics, so your Sabaton reactions are always wonderful to watch!

[@vaclavblazek]

Oh, forgot to add, Chris, watching you watching this moving song (all Sabaton's song are moving, this one is extra special, tho) adds another dimension to the experience. Thank you! Also, as many have noted, you should listen to the credits, the vocals are performed by the one and only Floor Jansen (wife of Sabaton's Hannes van Dahl and Nightwish diva).

[@clicheusername7182]

Gotta say this might be my favorite reaction you've done. You can definitely tell it was getting hard to maintain composure at parts and im right there with you.

[@TheButterflyChaos]

This might become one of my fave Sabaton songs

[@johnmurphy7250]

I finally found a Christmas song to listen to year round and it has a beautiful message and a great story to it to find humanity in the midst of inhumanity that was the first world war and other wars

[@johnmurphy7250]

Imagine this a German soldier getting a funeral service by a British clergyman and a British soldier getting a burial by a German clergyman

[@trollofduty007]

I live in the UK (Scotland specifically) and to put into perspective how deep WW1 and WW2 had an impact on us I live in a small village, grew up there etc, and In my village (and basically every other one that dates back before 1914. There are war memorials dedicated to those from the village that fell across the wars. Every village, memorials laden with countless names, all the men that went to war from our little village and never came home. Not many people live here even now, but it was even less so back then, so you can imagine the impact that had on the community Yet I can only imagine France, we were fighting far from home. They were the front line, fighting for their home

[@mystlcgreatness]

when i first heard that song the lyrics and melody sent chills down me. a new favourite and a christmas carol ill sing for sure

[@leonidasthanatos1182]

"It is not about Berlin, It is not about the Reich, It's about the men who fought for them, What peace can they expect?" - Hearts Of Iron Sabaton has always reminded us of the humanity on both sides of war.

[@kevinliegey]

I’m an amateur historian . I study a lot of history in my spare time and always have since I was young. I knew about the Christmas Truce . When my son learned about it, we were watching a video on it. He asked me what might have been if the Christmas Truce continued and the war ended because of it. Mind boggling . Millions of lives spared. No World War 2 maybe . Interesting perspective

[@ericfisher4736]

You can tell this is a great song by how many reactors ignore/skip Floor's vocals at the end

[@VG-fk6nk]

Maybe if they were better, they wouldn't be ignored.

[@PaladinPoppie]

Yea, they think it’s over and boom it’s keeps going. The ending really makes hit you.

[@chrisumana7644]

It's truly tragic that one man's death whom many never met led to the deaths of millions, changed the destiny of several nations and started not one but two world wars. P.S Hannes Van Dahl's wife Floor Jansen the singer for Nightwish does the vocals for the choir

[@thefolder69]

WW1 would've started without the assassination of Ferdinand.

[@DakotaKid95]

@@thefolder69 definitely. The Iron Chancellor saw it coming two decades beforehand.

[@chrisumana7644]

@@DakotaKid95 I remember watching Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows when Sherlock foiled Moriarty schemes he said war had been prevented in which Moriarty then rebutted and said he disagree Holmes inquired how so Moriarty basically said human nature even if you foiled my plans war on global scales was always going to happen he just wanted to profit off it stated you may have won the battle but can't beat the human condition

[@DakotaKid95]

@@chrisumana7644 that storyline is so good. I've listened to every Sherlock Holmes audiobook and radio drama I can get my hands on

[@joeturner5112]

my great great grandfather was an American soldier during ww1. he was shipped off to Europe in early November of 1918. thankfully for him, he didn't get to see any fighting. his ship arrived in France after the war had ended. he was at sea when it ended, so he and the rest of the soldiers on board his ship were prepared to go off to fight and probably die, only to land and discover the celebrations of peace and get shipped right back home within a week. he told my great grandmother that he felt relieved that the war was over when he landed. not because he didn't have to fight, but because the other soldiers on his ship didn't have to fight. most were just young kids. he himself was only 24, but some of the others on the ship were barely old enough to enlist, and some were younger than that.

[@hex1c]

You should listen to it again, that's floor singing in the end.

[@JustJenRx]

Just did my reaction today! So I wanted to learn more, so I came here!!!! Thanks Chris! I knew you wouldn’t disappoint!!! 🇸🇪🎄✌🏼🎄✌🏼🇸🇪

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

Respect to all the British, German, French, Belgian, Indian, and all other troops who participated here. We're all brothers.

[@bastemantuano2888]

Don't forget the Chinese labor corps

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

@@bastemantuano2888 True

[@RandomFurry07]

There were accounts of Russian and Austro Hungarian truces, though I doubt it since the Russians have a different calendar

[@lauriea2971]

It is the best Christmas song yet that I heard. The first time I heard this song, it brought me to tears and I was sing along with the song. It remembers me of a story I was told by a friend hat hid great grandfather was in WWI “the gentleman’s war” as people would call it. God bless all the souls in any war

[@RavetsU]

One of the few songs that actually made me tear up. But I still kept smiling all the way through. Sabaton has made my life better ever since I found them in 2010. These kinds of bands are rare.

[@lionfromthenorth4580]

14 years ago I went to Normandy in France on vacation. I visited the American cemetary nearby Omaha Beach. I also visited a German cemetary. It gave me some perspective... Like you said, the soldiers on both sides were victims of the tragedies of WW1 and WW2.

[@admiralnix7114]

I can not get through this song without crying, every time I've seen this since they released video and several reactions I just cry cause it's so beautiful and yet so tragic cause those soldiers that shared that day of comradery went right back to killing each other the very next day 🎅💔😥 but Sabaton did a fantastic job this is an epic song

[@Roach_Dogg_JR]

“We don’t think about tomorrow, the battle will commence.” I can’t imagine going back to fighting the next day.

[@cytorakdemon]

If I recall, many if not all the soldiers who participated during the Truce had to be rotated out of that field as they had difficulty getting back into a mindset to shoot at each other.

[@pdutchie4924]

Full body chills when the piano starts and during Floor’s outtro.

[@jameskarg3240]

The worst tragedy of it all were the higher up generals who, on both sides, practically TRASHED their offices and screamed through telecomm lines "Get your men BACK to their damn lines or you will ALL be put down for dereliction of duty!!"

[@eldaxeruskalocraw4213]

Is there any account of at least one general or very high ranked officer who heard or saw what was happening and was just like "oh, nice"?

[@jameskarg3240]

@@eldaxeruskalocraw4213 Very few went public on it, hence why only recently the event has gained such popularity. Hell, you tried telling anyone at the time this happened right after the war, youd have been labled as stark raving crazy. If any actual generals either side supported it, they took such thoughts to their graves.

[@matso3856]

I like to think that we humans always remember the loudest ones the most , just by chance there must have been generals who saw humanity in it , but the loud ones gets all the attention.

[@Calumetto]

You left at the beginning of Floor Jansen's outro during the credits. Haunting. ••• Thanks! Peace!

[@supersasukemaniac]

"They get close to Paris." Commaders at Verdun: "Thou shalt not Pass!!"

[@Tommy-5684]

the battle of the Marne took place some 30 miles (48KM) from Paris. French reenforcments where famously driven to the front in Taxis from Paris

[@benyoung9451]

Mate I know that Patreon has priority but like the Victoria cross documentary actually shows people that fought at the battle of arnhem and is an incredible story so put it on patreon for voting

[@bartbolsens]

i very like your sabaton reactions! keep it up. as a belgian living in flanders it is really emotional to watch! thank you. Always remember a fallen soldier; lest we forget.

[@bobburris4445]

It was good to see Mr. Jensen displaying his acting chops 😁

[@stonewall01]

All I can say is that I hope that this means Floor will be singing with Sabaton during at least 1 live show. lol

[@Oh_Danny_Boi]

Not much people catch it but the first time they say "we are all friends" but the next two times it is in the past tense "we were all friends".

[@EthanDarke]

10:57 that head shake as they go right back to fighting each other for reasons I guarantee they barely even understood. Lordy did I feel I feel that reaction.

[@wolfdragonful]

I hope this becomes a more common thing since Sabaton apparently has music on the Red Baron, the Bismark, and so many more. I can honestly say that Extra Credits and Oversimplified make up the majority of my understanding of world history - since my world history courses were either really "broad" (ancient to...European and American history) or really focused (I got more history in my religious studies minor) - and Sabaton has a real talent for making history something you WANT to access.

[@walterperl6528]

The story about that truce always gives me chills and tears, a victory of humanity during a war that tourned into a meatgrinder. Another such story i urge you to watch and react to is "Inmate 4859 the story about Witold Pilecki", a hero in his own right whos showing that no matter how bad everything seems and how hopeless it is.. there are Humans on this planet who are willing to give everything they have to give to change it. As always loved the video and the context you provide on those events. Have a nice day and stay save.

[@shadowrfox]

So Christmas have got to be one of my favorite holiday and this is one huge reason why. It not too rare that one faction in a war will cease or limit activity around a holiday. But for both sides to acknowledge one holiday to call a truce and take that time to bury dead and tend to wound. Not to mention some stories of soldiers exchanging gifts and food/sweets with their enemies. There are many holidays in this world but Christmas is the only one that brought a world war to halt. Its a pity that it couldn't happen again the following year. I hope you consider doing the ExtraCredit videos on the Christmas truce. They had me tearing up during those videos.

[@Mauler818]

I love Vlogging through history. I really relate to this channel as a history lover and devout Christian. Thanks mate.

[@NetAndyCz]

You get bonus points for catching many of those historical references and even being ahead of them at times, but you really should listen to the credits, it is part of the song and it shows how many people came together to create this masterpiece.

[@SparkyDaProtogen]

[Verse 1] Silence Oh, I remember the silence On a cold winter day After many months on the battlefield And we were used to the violence Then all the cannons went silent And the snow fell Voices sang to me from no man's land [Pre-Chorus 1] We are all We are all We are all We are all friends [Chorus] And today we're all brothers Tonight we're all friеnds A moment of peace in a war that nеver ends Today we're all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white [Post-Chorus] Hear carols from the trenches We sing O Holy Night Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes A Christmas in the trenches A Christmas on the front far from home [Verse 2] Madness Oh, I remember the sadness We were hiding our tears In a foreign land where we face our fears We were soldiers Carried the war on our shoulders For our nations Is that why we bury our friends? [Pre-Chorus 2] We were all We were all We were all We were all friends [Chorus] And today we're all brothers Tonight we're all friends A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we're all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white [Post-Chorus] Hear carols from the trenches We sing O Holy Night Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes A Christmas in the trenches A Christmas on the front far from home [Pre-Chorus 2] We were all We were all We were all We were all friends [Chorus] And today we're all brothers Tonight we're all friends A moment of peace in a war that never ends Today we're all brothers We drink and unite Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white [Outro] A Christmas on the frontline We walk among our friends We don't think about tomorrow The battle will commence When we celebrated Christmas We thought about our friends Those who never made it home When the battle had commenced

[@hitomisalazar4073]

Well as you mentioned the commonality of the truces and fraternization, as I recall that was a holdover from the sort of period of the Napoleonic Wars. It was pretty common place for a victor in a battle to call a truce, allowing the defeated enemy in to evacuate the wounded or tend to the dead, trading some formalities and niceties. A sort of air of "Civilized Warfare" as they considered it. It takes The Great War to destroy that sense of "Civility" in a lot of ways. From those truces and kindness to the unleashing of chemical weapons and the first sort of development of "Terror Tactics" in modern warfare where the idea of shelling and bombing civilians to try to bring about victory comes to. As opposed to the earlier centuries where actions against civilians (like looting to supply the army, such as Sherman did in the Civil War) was considered just "Part of conducting a march" more or less and not really a war goal or considered tactic beyond the logistics.

[@hitomisalazar4073]

I just love the song however. I remember the quote: "War brings out the best and worst in men". To me, the story of the Christmas Truce always resonated. Perhaps one of the greatest moments of hope for humanity in a way for me. You have several months of ruthless bloodshed. New weapons unleashed, people being killed in high numbers. The landscape itself turning from green rolling fields to muddy, churned up craters while you huddle in water logged trenches. With all the bitterness that might come up. Having seen your friend killed. Under attack and threat constantly. Officers giving orders to attack with no quarter. Brutal close range trench raids, kills with knives, machine guns, grenades, etc. And all that violence and hatred, just put aside to meet with strangers. To treat those who killed the men you knew like family. Always resonated with me.

[@stynershiner1854]

Ahhh can't believe you didn't listen to Floor vocals at the end!

[@edwardnelson9807]

Legit can't wait for the sabaton history episode. These guys are so good. This song is awesome

[@CaitlinBloodyMary]

That was deeply moving and definitely forced a few tears to unexpectedly spring up. For some reason it just deeply personalised and humanised WWI. I know the Christmas Truce story well, but this just... hit me. Beautifully told by Sabaton. And perfect additional info as always.

[@Hornsifter]

For some reason I cant for the life of me explain this feeling I get from this song. I somehow just get overwhelmed by sadness and loss and hope when I listen to this song, perticularly when I watch the video. The visual of the battle turn tempuarie truse just hits some from of a strong reaction button in me. By no means do I have eny family that I know of from that time that fought in the Great War or was a part of the truse. I guess my emotions just get the better of me or maybe it's the insanly powerfull message that men in times of war can retain some humanity and still care. I really dont know how to explain this, this feeling should not exist and yet it dose. Enyone got a clue?

[@Happymali10]

The cross in the video is actually a prop/replica, the real one is in France (?) and they filmed in the Czech republic. Also, that "one woman wail" at the end is Floor Jansen (Nightwish), the wife of Sabaton's drummer.

[@Laurentus89]

Absolutely love your channel for the content you provide. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but you seem to be touched by the song.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I definitely was. Stories like this always get to me.

[@wamporeycidulgb]

@@VloggingThroughHistory I was about to comment that; Your face seemed to show the same emotions I felt myself while watching this. On a completely different note; is there a special reason why you haven't reacted to A Lifetime of War (yet)? It reminds me a little of this song, in some aspects at least, but I find it more melodic, and even more emotional...

[@masonarneault3919]

I woke up this morning and this song was the first thing on my KZbin feed, great start to the day

[@TheDraconnian]

This is a very moving song and an event in history. For most of us, Christmas is a time when everything slows down. Holidays are coming, the family is gathering in peace. We are all together. Then imagine what it's like when someone sends you to the land of death at Christmas time. Where you kill and expect to be killed. This is not normal, this is the evil of humanity. But, 1914, that was the moment when a soldiers saw a man in the enemy. Wherever you come from, whatever flag you worship, or God, love each other and in a man who is not like you know your brother.

[@CadarnTheMad1810]

this one I can see being very epic live with crowd participation

[@willghezzi]

Easily one of their best songs, made me tear up the first time I listened to it. If you want another masterpiece from Sabaton that talks about the good people being tricked or forced into war you should definitely listen to Wehrmacht

[@Donna-C]

Your insights were interesting as Sabaton had included most of them in their video. You cut out the ending vocals by Floor Jansen which adds something special to this song. (Floor is married to Hannes - Sabaton Drummer - lead singer of Nightwish).

[@williamsreis8567]

I knew a WWII vet who fought the Germans. He told us there were times when the Americans and Germans would stop fighting so they could collect their dead and wounded right next to eachother.

[@Torron79]

Came here for the Sabaton reaction, stayed for historical reasons. You got my sub! Will check out your other vids aswell just coz it more and more interests me (tbh I never was into history until I discovered Sabaton in 2005)

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy.

[@Torron79]

@@VloggingThroughHistory I will. Thanks a lot!

[@Hootix]

Dropping by from Korea. This song is one of my favorites by Sabaton. Also, your reaction and information you provide additionally is just phenomenal. Not only can I simply enjoy the music, but also learn some more from you! Thanks!

[@Hootix]

@Savio John why would you ask that?

[@Hootix]

@Savio John 20% is pretty high for a country that roots from Confucianism as one of the oldest and most influential religions in the history of Korea and the old dynasties.

[@henrikr6027]

Great reaction man! Keep up the great content and greetings from Sweden btw, can't wait for the new album to drop!

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

No matter how many times I have watched this video today - still amazed. Bravo to Sabaton and all involved with creating the video.

[@justlittleoldme]

They said this was the war to end all wars, and that it would be over by christmas. This needs to be shown in all WW1 history lessons. My grandmother was 11 when war broke out (I'm 50 - late baby! Ha ha) and remember her telling me that she lost a brother and cousin to it, so for me it still feels personal because some I loved lost people she loved. I find it had sometimes watching things with trenches and barbed wire because her cousin was in the pioneer regiment, and it was their job to that. He's buried in France were he died of his wounds. To those who gave their all on both sides, LEST WE FORGET ❤️

[@luc-zq7ku]

For those interested in the truce, I would recommand the movie Joyeux noel, a french movie about this event while if a little romantised is fairly accurate to the event .

[@EdwardNygma1980]

I agree, I watch it pretty much every year. Good Christmas movie.

[@MrAndveb]

Ending Vocal Lyrics ; Floor Jansen

[@frippolin]

Although I was moved by the song itself, I think that your facial expression at the end of the song was the most moving of it all. I could see all the sadness and tragedy in your face in a way I haven't reflected on before! Thank you for this video

[@kski113]

You should react to Sabaton's "Inmate 4859", and I'm curious to see if you can tell who they're singing about just from the lyrics, if you don't already know.

[@riverroth3688]

This songs in my Christmas rotation now, mainly because both the story is so very bittersweet, and also because it so fits the season.

[@zjjohnson3827]

10:55 I teared up and cried at this part too. So beautiful and so tragic that that one moment of peace couldn’t last

[@philipriley2253]

Another great song, giving a small insight into the Christmas truce. The cross you mentioned is near Ypres, did the flanders field tour when visited Bruges. Asked about the Christmas truce and our guide took us to see it. There was quite a bit about Scottish football club Stirling Albion who were apparently involved in the football match..

[@ColinPottersBar]

Sends chills through me every time I watch it and hear it. I just hope it gets the publicity it deserves. Please share....LEST WE FORGET...

[@arthurwohlleben961]

This is an awesome song and I had never heard them before so yes thank you for that. It touches the heart for sure thinking on these things.

[@GAIS414]

Love the video! Great commentary, and as always the guys impressed, but to be honest it's a crime skipping the beautiful outro sung by Floor Jansen.

[@Smelly556]

1:33 *A wild Joakim has appeared!*

[@antonakesson]

Pretty sure the piano melody is Carol of the Bells.

[@andywarda1481]

Thank you for covering this. I don't use the word lightly but this is a true masterpiece.

[@Just_A_Dude]

What you're saying right around 8:00. I think MASH put it best: _War isn't Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse. ... There are no innocent bystanders in Hell. War is chock full of them - little kids, cripples, old ladies. In fact, except for some of the brass, almost everybody involved is an innocent bystander._

[@kathyhall3964]

This song & vidio are both amazing, so real, lets us see what happened to our ancestors, Floor Jenson's voice at the end, makes all the hairs on my neck stand up...WOW

[@nijiru4448]

Thank you for mentioning it in your video, Belleau Wood was the other song about the Christmas Truce that I know and love, I have to rate both equally awesome.

[@needude7218]

Have you ever checked out the British Christmas 2014 advert for the Supermarket, Sainbury's? It's a 3 and a half minute short movie about the Christmas Truce that's incredibility well written, directed and shot. It may be worth checking out around the time of that Christmas Truce video you mentioned closer to Christmas

[@samuellee7751]

It makes me so sad and I teared up when I watched it the first time. Humans can be so amazing yet things like happen. For what? Greed and power. There are no winners in war.

[@nachoman2713]

Great video and happy new years!

[@WWII_buff]

Really glad I found your channel!

[@Menhtrol]

Floor Jansen was the one singing doing the credits

[@kimeklund8880]

They have an live and acoustic version of this Sabaton - Christmas Truce / musikhjälpen 2021