Behind History

The series examines pivotal moments, underlying motives and the far‑reaching consequences of wars that have altered the course of history. It spans from the First World War and the significance of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to the later conflict of Operation Desert Storm.

The programme War is an episode‑type broadcast that falls under the broader category of a programme. It is presented as a single instalment rather than a series, and its focus is squarely on the subject of conflict. In this episode the narrative follows the key moments, underlying motives and far‑reaching ramifications of warfare that have left an imprint on world history. It begins with the First World War and the iconic reference to “the eleventh day of the eleventh month”, then moves forward through the intervening years until it reaches the modern clash known as Operation Desert Storm. By tracing that chronological arc, the episode shows how the decisions and outcomes of early twentieth‑century battles set precedents that later confrontations would echo. The coverage links the strategic thinking of the First World War with the political and military calculations that underpinned the Gulf conflict, illustrating a chain of cause and effect that spans more than a century. Overall, the programme offers a concise yet comprehensive look at how specific events—from a historic armistice date to a desert‑based coalition offensive—have shaped the way wars are fought and remembered, highlighting the continuity and change that define the history of armed conflict.