Ep 2. A Rising Threat

In episode two of The World Wars, entitled 'A Rising Threat,' the focus is on the rapidly changing political landscape of Europe leading up to the outbreak of World War I. The episode begins in 1904 with the arrival of a young Adolf Hitler in Vienna, where he struggled to make a living as an artist and became increasingly radicalized in his political views.

From there, the episode delves into the complex alliances and tensions between the major world powers at the time. We see the rise of Germany as a global superpower under Kaiser Wilhelm II, who pursued a policy of aggressive expansionism and sought to build a navy that could rival Britain's. At the same time, tensions between Russia and Austria-Hungary were escalating, with the two nations vying for influence in the Balkans.

The episode also examines the growing militarization of Europe during this time period. In addition to Germany's aggressive naval policy, other nations were also building up their armies and investing heavily in new weapons technology. The arms race only served to heighten tensions between the rival powers.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo in June 1914 proved to be the spark that set off the powder keg of European tensions. The episode spends considerable time exploring the events leading up to the assassination, including the role of the Serbian militant group known as the Black Hand.

Overall, 'A Rising Threat' does an excellent job of laying out the complex web of political and military tensions that existed in Europe in the years leading up to World War I. The episode is rich in historical detail, but also succeeds in keeping viewers engaged with its fast-paced storytelling and dynamic use of archival footage. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a clear understanding of how the events of World War I came to pass, and a renewed appreciation for the critical role that politics and diplomacy play in shaping world events.