598. The First World War: The Eastern Front Explodes (Part 5)

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Sep 5, 2025

The podcast dives into the brutal chaos of the Eastern Front during World War I, highlighting its bloodiness compared to the West. It unpacks the early disasters faced by the Austro-Hungarian army against Serbia and the crucial missteps of Russia. Key figures like Paul von Hindenburg emerge as pivotal, and the strategic battle maneuvers are vividly recounted. The psychological toll on soldiers is explored through personal memoirs, indulging in dark humor and historical critique that bring this tumultuous period to life.

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Episode notes

A Different Kind Of War In The East

The Eastern Front was fluid and vast, unlike the static trench warfare in the West.
It took place across multinational borderlands inhabited largely by Poles, Ukrainians and Jews, shaping its brutality.

Conrad Seizes His Chance

Conrad von Hutzendorf had long wanted war with Serbia and seized Franz Ferdinand's assassination as his opening.
He repeatedly asked for permission to attack Serbia and saw the assassination as the pretext he needed.

00:00 / 00:00

A Tower Of Babel Army

Austria-Hungary's army was hampered by ethnic diversity, poor funding, and language barriers.
Officers mainly spoke German while many soldiers spoke other languages, weakening cohesion and logistics.

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The Eastern Front: Chaos and Conflict

03:01 • 5min

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Passions and Miscalculations: The Prelude to War

08:14 • 25min

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The Tumultuous Events of the Eastern Front

33:27 • 2min

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Exploring Literary Classics: A New Segment Introduction

35:13 • 2min

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Russia's Role in the Balkan Crisis

37:13 • 8min

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Turning Tides on the Eastern Front

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While the Western front was raging following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, what was unfolding on the Eastern Front? Why was it an even bloodier and more brutal arena than the West? As Austria took on its great antagonist - the spark of the entire war - Serbia, why were its early campaigns constantly blighted by disaster? What terrible mistake did Russia, with its behemoth of an army, make? How would its dramatic war with Germany unfold? And, would this be the beginning of the end of the Habsburg Empire?

Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the outbreak of the First World War on the Eastern Front, and its early clashes.

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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