The Story of the Great War, Volume 2: History of the European War from Official Sources

"The Story of the Great War, Volume 2" by Francis J. Reynolds, Allen L. Churchill, and Francis Trevelyan Miller is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work provides a comprehensive narrative of the European War based on official sources, detailing significant events and battles up to that point. The content is meticulously organized into various parts that chronicle different campaigns and military operations, illustrating the complexities and strategies involved in World War I. The opening of this volume introduces the initial phases of the war, starting with Germany's invasion of Belgium on August 4, 1914, and the ensuing battles, including the siege of Liege. It highlights the German military strategy as it planned to sweep through Belgium towards France, detailing the organization and strength of the German forces while contrasting it with the unexpected resistance from the Belgian army. Additionally, the narrative delves into both the tactical miscalculations and the outcomes of engagements at several key locations, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict in central Belgium and the larger theater of war.