Dreams of Heroism in the Onset of WWI A young boy hides on a troop train in pursuit of his dream to become a hero as World War I begins with new technologies like tanks and poison gas.
Holiday Preparations Amid Rising Tensions Russian General Brusilov enjoys holiday festivities before tensions rise between European powers, setting the stage for conflict.
Illusions Shattered by Technological Progress Europe thrives in technological advancements and peace illusions shattered by Norman Angell's book predicting impossibility of large-scale war due to machine guns.
'Belle Époque' Arms Race and Looming Threats 'Belle Époque' Europe faces escalating arms race, discovery of poison gases, and anticipation for future weapons like atomic bombs amidst growing political tensions.
Rising Rivalries Among European Powers Russia experiences economic growth but is reluctant towards war while Germany expands its colonial empire leading to rivalries with England and France. Political alliances form amid rising hostilities across Europe.