The Great War — Season 1, Episode 4: A New War with Old Generals – Carnage on the Western Front - Week 4

Episode synopsis

In the early days of World War 1, warfare is still based on ideas and ideals of 19th century generals. The technological progress during industrialisation clashes with obsolete war tactics (Plan XVII). Tens of thousands of soldiers lose their lives in carnage at the Western Front. The French Army marches into battle in bright uniforms, where the German Army awaits them with machine guns. Artillery already shows how brutal and effective it's going to be during the rest of World War 1.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Outbreak of WWI - How Europe Spiraled Into the GREAT WAR - Week 1
• E2Germany in Two-Front War and the Schlieffen-Plan - Week 2
• E3To Arms! The Deployment of Troops - Week 3
• E5The Rape of Belgium and the Battle of Tannenberg - Week 5
• E6Plans Are Doomed to Fail - The Battle of Galicia - Week 6
• E7Taxi to the Front – The First Battle of the Marne - Week 7
• E8Welcome to the Dirt – The Beginning of Trench Warfare - Week 8
• E9The Russian War Machine and the Race to the Sea - Week 9
• E10Dying in the Mud - Autumn Is Taking Its Toll - Week 10
• E11Back for Christmas? - The Illusion of a Short War - Week 11
• E12Learning From Napoleon – Russia, The Underestimated Enemy - Week 12
• E13A War to End All Wars - Home Front Propaganda - Week 13