User Reviews

At first I found the introduction to the topic well done. It recognized that it was not just one thing that caused the "Great War" but various factors and by going many decades prior to the initial assassination by Gavrilo Principe, a Bosnian. However, here is already where things become muddled.

First of all this documentary was sponsored by the Serbian government. It is clear that there is an agenda behind this documentary. Naturally, as I saw the coat of arms of Serbia show up I thought "perhaps it won't be biased? Let me go in with an open mind" but it was not meant to be. Gavrilo Principe was born in Bosnia and Herzogovina, yes, but he was from a family of Serbs, the Jovicevic clan, originally from Montenegro prior to the 18th century. Do you see where this is going? The history of Serbia is intermingled richly with the cultures - and what are now nations as well - from various areas of what was once the Ottoman Empire. They are all interwoven with one another.

So in this documentary they outright say Gavrilo was a Bosnian and it was clearly Bosnian hatred of the Austrians (not so much the Hungarians) that drove them to what they did. The Black Hand (or Unification or Death (Ujedinjenje ili smrt)) is mentioned as well, but briefly and their very intricate relations with the Serbian government at the time is overlooked, stating that the Black Hand simply was against the government in Serbia at that point in time. However, the Black Hand had members in many government positions. After the Coup d'Etat where the King Alexander I and his wife were murdered, many of the militarist elite and a wide variety of officers were ushered into governmental positions. A martial government took over and it's tendrils stretched from Serbia outward into Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Greece.

Yet, in this documentary big, bad and evil Germany was the main reason for the First World War! The focus from the middle of the documentary onward simply goes up against Germany and focuses on their meddling and aggressiveness. Whilst Wilhem II might not have been the best diplomat in considering all the varying alliances to the best of Germany's power, they were not the sole reason for the armament race that was encouraged by various colonial empires vying for power and fearing the power from Continental Europe. It is addressed, yes, but the French colonialism in Northern Africa is seen as unquestionable. The Germans cannot meddle in Morocco, but the French can? One reason is highlighted for the French and English entente but it does not address the fact that their alliance only came after colonial jostling in Egypt, where concessions ended up having to be made as well. Never mind that the United Kingdom's aggressive stance in many colonial aspects also triggered the arms war, as they would not give up any concessions and threatened war multiple times, especially in affairs over Africa. The bullies shan't be bullied.

The Documentary is an interesting Serbian viewpoint of the "Great War" and that is ideally what should be kept in mind when watching this. It was interesting, yes. But then again, how much can you talk about World War 1 and it's causes in just under two hours? There are so many aspects.

This is a tough one - and it is surprising that it hasn't caused a greater stir. Assuming most viewers are read up on the Great War - that it isn't their first delve into a WWI documentary; the presented theory is likely to be somewhat of a bombshell.

IF all claims are true - the conclusion would be that we would have to rewrite history.

The essence of what is being presented is that; Serbia, or indeed any Serbian, had very little to do with initiating the Great War. The, borderline conspiracy, theory is that; Germany "had this planned all along" - that they, more or less, elbowed Austria into pointing the finger at Serbia which, in turn, was a scapegoat for a war Germany already had planned.

The Long Road To War makes a compelling case for the above mentioned, however... if true - this would be, borderline, headline material. Why is there a minimal amount of reaction from the historical community?

It's a fascinating story, but until proven it is probably a good idea to view it as just that - a story. If fully corroborated - this is, doubtlessly; not only one of the best but also, one of the most important documentaries ever made.

There is, at least one, pretty large warning flag flapping in the breeze - the fact that, various Serbian entities financed the production. This, by no means, disqualifies the statements from being true - but it certainly doesn't help build the case...

On a personal level, being no expert on the subject, any relevant comments are greatly appreciated.

Here some historical facts are twisted.

A cheek!

Most uneducated people here think it is good because it raises a "different view of things". However, this is only a conspiracy theory of Serbian production.

The Sarajevo assassination is ridiculously rehashed and the knowledge of the Serbian government is concealed.

Simple propaganda.

As a student of history, I think this documentary should come with a warning. This is the presentation and perspective of a country (Serbia) of the "long road to the great war", some statements labeled as facts are highly debatable, if not false.

So always watch out and don't trust everything you see!

Always check your source!