On Monday 05 January 2026, we concluded our History Group’s examination of the causes leading up to the outbreak of World War 1, declared in August 1914.

Ian showed us the Serbian analysis of the causes of the war in a film of Miloš Škundrič, produced by Paradox Film and published by Netflix. To say that there were many factors leading to the war would be a gross understatement. The politics of Europe at that time were extremely complicated with alliances between Prussian Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy being discussed in great detail. We also learned about the Franco-Russian alliance that was formed in response and effectively sandwiched Germany between two potentially hostile allies, and the informal arrangements between Belgium and Great Britain.

The timing of the start of the war was analysed, with particular attention being given to the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo on 29 June 1918, combined with the opening of the Kiel Canal in Northern Germany in July 1918, and the 48-hour ultimatum delivered by Austria to the Serbian nation on 23 July 1918, even though the assassin was Bosnian.

Within a few days, what the Austrians had hoped would be a war in the Balkans had turned into a world war with troops from the colonies on major nations becoming involved. Austria did not have colonies on the same scale as Great Britain, France, Germany or Belgium, and relied on support from Germany.

There were many new countries to learn about including Novi Pazar, the influence of the Ottoman Empire almost up to the gates of Vienna and there were many political figures introduced, with commentary in English, French, German and Russian. Fortunately, subtitles were available!

Our next session is set for 02 February 2026 at 2pm and will be an investigation into truth and lies associated with the French Revolution of 1789.