Headlines of prominent newspapers show rising tensions prior to World War 1. Headline of New York American 'Czar expects war declaration today, England and Germany ready to strike, Austrians and Serbs in big battle'. Montage of headlines from various newspapers regarding looming war. Berliner Tageblatt New York Times headlines say 'Austria and Serbia ready for war, Russia gives warning to Germany, London still sees hope for peace'. New York Times and Freier Press headlines about the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. Serbian police dragging the assassin. Blood stained tunic of Archduke. Burial ceremony of Archduke Ferdinand with coffin covered with Austrian flag. Czar Nicholas II of Russia reviews troops. Various Cossack regiments being reviewed. Russian Revolution scenes and mass demonstrations and riot in streets of Moscow as Bolsheviks seize power in 1917. Russian civilians and Bolshevik loyal soldiers armed with rifles marching in mass funeral processions and demonstrations in Russia against the Czar led government. Leon Trotsky speaking to a crowd and saluting Red forces as Bolshevik troops parade. Food distribution to Russian children and people eating on snow covered streets of Moscow around time of revolution. Headlines showing Russian entry in World War I. Snow covered Kremlin. Vladimir Lenin at a desk talking. More views of newspaper headlines regarding outbreak of World War 1.
A British politician, likely Lord Horatio Kitchener (British Secretary of State for War), passionately addresses the crowd in a recruitment rally in London during World War 1. A sign behind the man says " London Rec... Recruits Wanted...". A "Lord Kitchener Wants You" recruitment image. Men climb up on stage. Men move in line to report for mobilization. A man raises his book upon reporting for enlistment. Officials read papers. Military official takes a book away from the man's hand. Young men receive their uniforms after enlistment. Four divisions of enlisted soldiers are mobilized to the front in Europe. Soldiers embark on a ship sailing to the front. A ship full of soldiers leave the United Kingdom for Europe to fight.
Traces events leading up to and through World War I. Portrait of German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II. Wilhelm II riding on horseback. He starts the preparations for war. Views of German military officials including Helmuth von Moltke the Younger. Newspaper headlines of assassination of Austrian Archduke. Celebrations on streets of Germany at start of World War I including views of German soldiers and citizens preparing for war. Germany launch war on Serbia, France and England. German infantry and u-boat submarines target enemy positions. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his office . U.S. declares war on Germany. U.S. forces departing from American cities and arriving in Europe; moving toward battle. Scenes from trench warfare of World War I in France. Soldiers going up "over the top" out of trenches during offensive operations and into "no man's land". Retreat of Germans, views of General von Luddendorff, the German Chief of Staff. Armistice declared after secret message sent to German government by Luddendorff. Cheering people celebrate the end of World War 1 after armistice. Views of United States General Pershing.
Political scenario in Europe prior to World War I. Kaiser Wilhelm II reviews troops in Germany. The Kaiser on horseback followed by officers also on horseback. Emperor Franz Joseph I in Austria. He is accompanied by a royal party. A dignitary in a horse driven carriage. German General Von Hindenberg reviews a parade in Berlin. Soldiers march. Cavalry units move in review.
Political scenario in Europe prior to World War I. Sultan Mehmed V gets off a carriage in Turkey. Officials greet him. People look on as cavalry units move past.
Political scenario in Europe prior to World War I. King Ferdinand I in Bulgaria. The King in conversation with officials and dignitaries.