Ring of Steel

For Germany and Austria-Hungary the First World War started with high hopes for a rapid, decisive outcome. Convinced that right was on their side and fearful of the enemies that encircled them, they threw themselves resolutely into battle. Yet, despite the initial halting of a brutal Russian invasion, the Central Powers´ war plans soon unravelled. Germany´s attack on France failed. Austria-Hungary´s armies suffered catastrophic losses at Russian and Serbian hands. Hopes of a quick victory lay in ruins.