New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2 Who Began the War, and Why?

A vivid snapshot of the first months of the Great War, this volume gathers the New York Times’ contemporaneous reports, maps, and illustrations that sought to answer the pressing question of who sparked the conflict. It frames the early crisis through the eyes of journalists and analysts trying to untangle the tangled alliances and nationalist fervor that erupted after the Sarajevo assassination. Listeners will hear the urgent tone of a world on the brink, with each article reflecting the uncertainty and urgency of 1914‑1915.

The collection features several key speeches by Kaiser Wilhelm II, presented in their original language and context, revealing how the German emperor portrayed the war as a reluctant act of self‑defence. His balcony address, Reichstag proclamation, and conciliatory remarks are juxtaposed with commentary that highlights the diplomatic pressures and the rhetoric of honor, sacrifice, and divine guidance. The accompanying illustrations bring the era’s propaganda and battlefield sketches to life.

By listening, you travel back to a time when nations debated morality, strategy, and destiny in real‑time. The material offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the political narratives that shaped public opinion before the war’s deeper horrors unfolded, making history feel immediate and compelling.