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The Rest Is HistoryAugust 27, 2025

595. The First World War: The Battle of the Frontiers (Part 2)

About This Episode
What was Britain's first military move following the outbreak of the First World War? Where did the French launch their initial attack on the Germans? Whose army was the biggest and best of all the participants in the war? And, what unfolded at the pivotal Battle of the Ardennes in August 1914, on the frontiers of France, between the Germans and the French, and what would be the consequences of the outcome for the war as a whole? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss, in riveting, unsparing detail, the dramatic early engagements of the First World War, and the bloody Battle of Ardennes. 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 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
3 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

The Guns of August cover
The Guns of August
Barbara Tuchman

The speaker mentions their fondness for 'The Guns of August' by Barbara Tuchman, stating it was the first book they read about the topic and still holds a candle for it despite historians' criticisms.

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Catastrophe cover
Catastrophe
Max Hastings

Max Hastings gives an account in his book 'Catastrophe' about the battle of the frontiers, detailing the disastrous French assault against German forces.

ASIN: B08PC4TNDQ
Buy on Amazon
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War Horse cover
War Horse
Michael Mopoga

The discussion references the book 'War Horse', which is based on the horrendous cruelty to horses during the conflict.

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