The History of the Twentieth Century

Bolshevik Russia and the western Allies tried to maintain cordial relations during 1918, but it didn't last. By the end of the year, Allied troops were in Russia and Allied governments were backing anti-Bolshevik forces.

The three Baltic states manage to become the only Imperial Russian possessions--besides Finland and Poland--to win their independence.

Finland was able to win its independence from Russia peacefully, but soon after came a bloody civil war.

The birth of Poland was a foregone conclusion, but where its boundaries should lie was very much in dispute and led to bloodshed.

By 1916, both sides in the Great War had declared their desire to see an independent Poland after the war. Now the time had come.

In this final episode on Austria-Hungary, we look at the new nations of Austria and Hungary that emerged from the old Empire. We also take a look at two young Hungarians of the time who became important figures in the US film industry.

In this episode, we look at the birth of Yugoslavia and the cession of ethnic Romanian regions of Hungary to Romania.

This first of a three-part series on the end of Austria-Hungary tells the story of the birth of Czechoslovakia.

Before the Allies were ready to negotiate with the Central Powers, they had to have a "pre-meeting" among themselves to establish a common negotiating position. This "pre-meeting" lasted five months.

With the War now behind us, we take a moment to reflect on its most important lessons.