The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 2 (of 10)

A lively, illustrated account brings the first months of the Great War to life for younger ears, beginning with the French army’s hurried scramble as conflict erupts in August 1914. Readers hear the clang of marching boots and the echo of trumpets as France awakens its vast reserves, preparing millions of men for a fight that could decide Europe’s future.

The narrative weaves together the nation’s long‑standing military traditions, the shifting conscription laws that turned every twenty‑year‑old into a potential soldier, and the uneasy alliance with Russia that shaped the continent’s balance of power. Through clear explanations and vivid scenes—like bustling Parisian streets where youths line up for medical exams—the book shows how ordinary citizens suddenly found themselves on the brink of a historic battle, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.