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The Rest Is HistoryAugust 24, 2025

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

About This Episode
Following the declaration of war in 1914, how did the outbreak of the First World War unfold? What were the earliest military engagements of this terrible, totemic event? Who were its key political players and how did they respond? What was the attitude to the war in Germany? Were the allies unified from this early stage, or were they suspicious and frozen by indecision? And, how did the Germans, with the mightiest army in all the world, make its move on “plucky little” Belgium? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into one of the most consequential events of all time: the outbreak of the First World War. Visit store.steampowered.com and search for ‘Total War Rome’ to buy now. Go to ⁠fuseenergy.com/history⁠ to switch your energy to Fuse and get £20 credit Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

Ring of Steel cover
Ring of Steel
Alexander Watson

A brilliant book on Germany and Austria in the Central Powers in the First World War, highlighting the audacious and risky military strategies of the time.

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Catastrophe cover
Catastrophe
Max Hastings

Max Hastings' brilliant book describes how line after line of German infantry advance on this fortress, facing heavy Belgian fire.

ASIN: B08PC4TNDQ
Buy on Amazon
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The 39 Steps cover
The 39 Steps
John Buchan

John Buchan, the 39 Steps author, said that the Belgian stand at Liege was an advertisement to the world that the ancient faiths of country and duty could still nerve the arm for battle.

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Alexander Watson's book cover

The speaker references Alexander Watson's book, which discusses reprisals during wartime and includes examples from German letters and diaries.

ASIN: 1541697308
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.