The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914 ignited a political powder keg that would engulf the world in its first "total war". Soon, the fighting spread far beyond the confines of Europe – and beyond the battlefields themselves. Modern technological advances catapulted combatants into the sky and plunged them deep beneath the waves, while ruthlessly efficient machine gunners riddled the traditional rules of ground engagement with bullet holes. The twin horrors of the trench and the civilian bombing raid were born – and a war that was expected to be "over by Christmas" stretched on year after casualty-stricken year. Now, a century after "The Great War" began, you can experience every twist and turn of its torturous course around the globe. This collectible video-book features over 7 hours of footage and 24 pages of detailed history and fascinating photos that bring "the war to end all wars" vividly to life.