The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 1 (of 10): From the Beginning of the War to the Landing of the British Army in France

In Short

This volume is the first of ten, providing a contemporary perspective on the outbreak of the First World War. It traces the geopolitical tensions of early 20th-century Europe, explores the history of Prussian militarism, and details the opening German invasion of Belgium. Written with the intent to instruct and inspire British youth, the book positions the war as a righteous struggle for freedom and defense. It has endured as a primary-source artifact, capturing the specific, unvarnished attitudes of the British home front in 1914.

The Story

The narrative begins not in 1914, but by establishing Britain's historical identity as an island nation protected by its "defensive moat." The author establishes early that the British Navy is the essential guarantor of national survival, arguing that command of the sea is synonymous with command of the world’s riches. From this position of maritime security, the book pivots to the continent, diagnosing the origins of the conflict as a byproduct of Prussian ambition.

The historical arc reaches back to the rise of Frederick the Great, whom the author paints as a symbol of "blood and iron" and a breaker of treaties. This sets the stage for a recurring pattern of German aggression, which the author contrasts against the shifting power dynamics of the Napoleonic era and the unification of Germany. The book emphasizes that France, humiliated in 1871, remained in a state of mourning—symbolized by the black-draped statue of Strassburg—until the inevitable rupture of 1914.

As the narrative moves toward the present, the tone shifts from historical analysis to immediate reportage. The author details the Kaiser’s military buildup and the "dawn of The Day," describing the comprehensive conscription system that prepared the German population for total war. The invasion of Belgium is presented as the final breaking point, a violation of international law that forced Britain’s hand. The account describes the terror of the occupation, focusing on the destruction of Louvain and the desperate, defiant leadership of figures like Brussels’ Mayor Adolphe Max.

The story concludes with the global mobilization of the British Empire. The narrative highlights the eager participation of India, Australia, and New Zealand, painting a picture of a unified imperial force rallying to protect the "little friend" that is Belgium. By the final pages, the reader is left at the precipice of the main conflict, with the British Army crossing the channel to Flanders, framed as a noble, necessary sacrifice for the preservation of freedom. The book ends on a note of solemn resolve, preparing the young audience for the "gigantic struggle" that lies ahead in the subsequent volumes.

How It Unfolds

The maritime shield The book establishes the foundational importance of the British Navy. It argues that island security and global trade rely entirely on naval dominance.

The Prussian shadow The narrative examines the rise of Prussia through figures like Frederick the Great. It portrays this history as a long, calculated march toward militaristic supremacy.

The French mourning The text highlights the loss of Alsace and Lorraine in 1871. It uses the visual of the mourning statue in Paris to explain the deep-seated resentment that defined the Franco-German relationship.

The Kaiser’s design The author provides a detailed breakdown of the German military machine. He explains how every aspect of German life was oriented toward the eventual outbreak of war.

The violation of treaties The invasion of Belgium serves as the emotional and legal climax of the volume. The author recounts the German advance and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe in towns like Louvain.

The imperial rally The narrative expands to the global stage, showing the British Empire in action. It describes the contributions of colonial troops and the arrival of the British Expeditionary Force in France.

The People

The book focuses on leaders who embody the conflicting ideals of the era. King George V appears as the symbolic protector of the British fleet, representing national continuity. In stark contrast, the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, is presented as the architect of the war, a man whose childhood training and obsession with military glory set the world on a path to ruin.

Napoleon Bonaparte serves as a historical foil, a figure of past tyranny whose defeat provides a template for the Allies. Within the conflict itself, Mayor Adolphe Max stands out as the moral hero; his refusal to bow to the German occupiers in Brussels serves as a beacon of civilian courage. General Joffre represents the French spirit of revanche, leading his troops with the promise of "Right and Liberty." Finally, the British soldier—the "troops to our Britain true"—is the collective protagonist, an idealized figure of sacrifice who crosses the sea to protect the weak, embodying the "iron sacrifice" that the author demands from his young readers.

In Its Own Voice

"Once more we hear the word That sickened earth of old:-- 'No law except the sword Unsheathed and uncontrolled.'"

This opening stanza by Rudyard Kipling sets the moral tone of the book, framing the war as a battle against lawless aggression.

"He broke his plighted word; he fell upon a state which he thought was unable to defend itself; and he plunged Europe into a long and terrible war, simply because he was eager to increase his power."

The author uses this harsh assessment of Frederick the Great to establish the historical precedent for what he views as German treachery.

What It's Really About

At its heart, this is a book about the necessity of national defense and the sanctity of international agreements. It argues that the war was not an accident but the inevitable result of a "crazed" power—Prussia—rejecting the rule of law in favor of military might. The underlying question is one of survival: can a free nation exist alongside an aggressive, expansionist neighbor? The author concludes that when a "defensive moat" is threatened and a small, neutral nation is crushed, the only moral path for a great power is to accept the "iron sacrifice" of war. It is a defense of the British imperial order, framed as a bulwark against the return of medieval, sword-based tyranny.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of ideas will find this book fascinating for its directness. It does not attempt to offer a neutral, academic overview; rather, it is a piece of wartime literature meant to shape the hearts and minds of a generation. Reading it feels like stepping directly into 1914, providing an unvarnished look at how the British public was encouraged to perceive the conflict—the horror of the "deeds of shame" in Belgium, the pride in the Navy, and the romanticization of the soldier’s duty.

Those who struggle with outdated attitudes or the period's fervent jingoism may find certain passages jarring. The text is unabashedly imperialistic and reflects the racial and political hierarchies of its time, which can be challenging to process through a modern lens. However, for anyone seeking to understand the psychological landscape of the early 20th century, this book is an invaluable primary source. It captures the transition from a world of empire and chivalric ideals to the reality of industrialized, total war. Its rhythm is quick and declarative, designed to be read aloud, and it remains a vivid, if sobering, reminder of the power of national narrative in times of crisis.