The First World War, Part 2 (Film Series): The Best Laid Plans

Part 2 of a video series on World War I, this 7 minute film covers the start of the war and the Schlieffen Plan. In August 1914, the nations of Europe march enthusiastically to war. Capturing the mood of the time, famed sociologist Max Weber declares: "Regardless of outcome, this war is great and wonderful." With war plans like Germany's Schlieffen Plan and France's Plan XVII in place, each side is confident in early August that they can secure a quick victory. What they ultimately discover is that war is easy to plan... until it actually starts.