The First World War: The Invasion of Belgium (Part 1)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom delve into the opening stages of World War I, specifically focusing on Germany's invasion of Belgium in August 1914. They analyze the motivations behind Germany's actions, dissecting the Schlieffen Plan and the strategic imperatives driving it, and explore the historical context and the atrocities committed by German troops in Belgium, including the burning of the library at Louvain, while also examining the Allied propaganda and the complexities of assigning blame. The hosts discuss the German perspective, the impact on Britain, and the broader implications of the conflict, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the war's early months.