The July Crisis of 1914 was the moment of decision, the moment that Bismark's intricate treaty and alliance system finally collapsed in the prelude to World War One. The Crisis ignited after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (which we covered in episode one!). Tensions grew rapidly as Europe's nations sought retribution, issued ultimatums, made threats, or bolstered alliances.

When it became clear that peaceful mediation was no longer an option… armies everywhere mobilized, millions of men marched to war in the sweltering summer sun, and the "War To End All Wars" had begun.