The Great War: 1916 - The Year of Battles
The third season of The Great War documentary series examines the state of the conflict two years after its initial commencement. During this period, the narrative focuses on the occurrence of three significant military engagements that took place simultaneously: the Russian Brusilov Offensive, the Battle of the Somme, and the Battle of Verdun. These operations are characterized by their immense scale and historical
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series follows the events of the First World War on a week-by-week basis.
- The narrative is presented as a documentary series examining historical events from 100 years ago.
- The series features Indy Neidell as a primary contributor.
- The conflict has been ongoing for two years prior to the start of the season.
Season overview
The third season of The Great War documentary series examines the state of the conflict two years after its initial commencement. During this period, the narrative focuses on the occurrence of three significant military engagements that took place simultaneously: the Russian Brusilov Offensive, the Battle of the Somme, and the Battle of Verdun. These operations are characterized by their immense scale and historical impact, resulting in a combined total of over 4,000,000 casualties. The season documents these events as part of a broader effort to follow the progression of the First World War on a week-by-week basis, mirroring the timeline of the conflict as it unfolded 100 years prior. Despite the intensity and the high human cost of these specific battles, the series highlights the ongoing nature of the war, noting that at this stage in the conflict, there is no definitive end in sight. The documentary utilizes this chronological approach to provide a detailed historical account of the military and political developments during this critical phase of the war, maintaining a focus on the events as they occurred during the historical period being studied.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
Prelude to Verdun And The Road To the Somme - Week 76
Jan 7, 2016 · 9 min
1915 was a year in favour of the Central Powers. But in early 1916, the Russians, British and French were sending more fresh troops into battle than ever before – and better equipp
The Invasion Of Montenegro - The End of Gallipoli - Week 77
Jan 14, 2016 · 9 min
It already started around Christmas but this week the evacuation of Gallipoli is complete. While the evacuation was a success, the overall defeat is inarguable for the British. On
The Fight for Montenegro & The Disaster Of Kut - Week 78
Jan 21, 2016 · 10 min
The Russians try to take Czernowitz, the Capital of Austrian Bukovina but thousands upon thousands of Russians were killed in action. While in Montenegro, Austro-Hungarian troops u
The Kaiser's Birthday - Hypocrisy in Greece - Week 79
Jan 28, 2016 · 10 min
Even though Britain went to war over the violation of the Belgian neutrality by the Germans, the neutrality of Greece seems to be of no concern to the Entente. The military presenc
Germany Aims For Verdun - Russia Goes South - Week 80
Feb 4, 2016 · 10 min
The preparations for the huge German offensive at Verdun are almost complete. Thousands of artillery pieces are moved, millions shells brought to the front. Erich von Falkenhayn wo
The Generalissimo Goes Forth - Week 81
Feb 11, 2016 · 10 min
The situation for the Italian soldiers was dire during the winter battles, but even though Luigi "The Generalissimo" Cadorna maintained a tight grip on the strategy used, the equip
The Ghost Of The Lusitania - Russia Takes Erzurum - Week 82
Feb 18, 2016 · 10 min
The sinking of the Lusitania is still causing diplomatic tensions between Germany and the USA. While the Germans insist they were forced by the British blockade to adopt unrestrict
The Battle of Verdun - They Shall Not Pass - Week 83
Feb 25, 2016 · 10 min
The Germans start the biggest battle in history with an artillery barrage of over 1000 guns on a 20 km front. The Battle of Verdun is the first major German offensive since the Rac
The US Arms Industry - The Fight for Douaumont - Week 84
Mar 3, 2016 · 10 min
The fierce Battle of Verdun continues but as the Germans under Crown prince Wilhelm push harder and harder, the German casualties begin to rise to the same levels as the French. Th
Equilibrium of Carnage at Verdun - Portugal Joins The War - Week 85
Mar 10, 2016 · 10 min
The fierce battle of Verdun is still going on and the initial surprise momentum of the German Army under Erich von Falkenhayn is lost. Battles for hill tops and forts turn into car
Manfred von Richthofen's First Victory - American Volunteers in WW1
Sep 22, 2016 · 10 min
Deadly Routine on the Italian Front - The 8th Battle of the Isonzo
Oct 13, 2016 · 10 min
War of Attrition on the Italian Front - The Ninth Battle of the Isonzo
Nov 3, 2016 · 10 min