Ep 8. Revolt

As the Great War enters its final year, millions of soldiers continue to fight and die in the trenches. But for some, the misery of the front lines has become too much to bear. In episode 8 of World War I: The War to End All Wars, titled "Revolt," we explore the uprisings and mutinies that shook the armies of Europe in 1917.

The episode opens with an overview of the dire situation facing the soldiers of France and Germany. By this point, the war had dragged on for three years, with no clear end in sight. Men lived in squalor, endured constant shelling and gas attacks, and watched their friends die every day. Conditions on both sides were unimaginably brutal, and morale was at an all-time low.

In this atmosphere of despair, something had to give. On the French side, the breaking point came in the spring of 1917, when an enormous number of soldiers refused to follow orders. The episode takes us inside the mutiny, showing us the deserted trenches and the soldiers who had given up hope. We see how the mutineers organized themselves, forming councils to demand better treatment and an end to the war. And we learn how the French high command ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion, using executions and imprisonment as punishment.

Meanwhile, the Germans were facing their own crisis of faith. As the war dragged on, some soldiers began to question the purpose of the fight. In this episode, we see how anti-war sentiment spread through the German ranks, leading to strikes and demonstrations. The German government responded by cracking down on dissent, but the events of 1917 showed that even the mighty German army was not immune to the malaise that had set in across Europe.

As we watch these rebellions unfold, the episode asks a crucial question: why didn't more soldiers revolt? Despite the widespread misery and disillusionment, most soldiers remained loyal to their commanders. Through interviews with historians and first-hand accounts from soldiers, we get a sense of the complexity of the situation. Some soldiers were terrified of punishment, others were simply hoping that victory was around the corner. And for many, the bonds of loyalty and camaraderie that had formed in the trenches were stronger than the urge to rebel.

"Revolt" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War I. By showcasing the human cost of the conflict, the episode shows us the ways that ordinary people responded to the unimaginable horror of the war. And by asking why some soldiers rebelled while others stayed loyal, it invites us to reflect on the nature of war, loyalty, and resistance.

Overall, "Revolt" is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in World War I or the history of rebellion and dissent. Through its vivid storytelling and compelling interviews, it brings to life a crucial moment in the war that has been largely overlooked by history. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to deepen your understanding of the human experience, this episode is not to be missed.