One hundred years ago today, Britain made a life-changing decision, declaring war on Germany in defense of its friend and neighbor, Belgium. Serbia and Austria-Hungary were already in conflict over the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Bosnian student Gavrilo Princip. Russia supported Serbia so a threatened Germany declared war on Russia. Over the following four years, country after country signed up to partake in combat across the fields of Europe. With so many nations participating, the fighting of the Great War lasted longer than anticipated, and with a much greater loss of life. The Battle of the Somme in 1916 saw 200,000 die in one day alone. Four years of fighting, 16 million lives lost, 135 countries involved. These magazines remember those times:

Telegraph First World War Centenary by The Telegraph: A look back at the outbreak of WW1 via original publications and modern interpretations. Australia in the Great War by Chris Dunn: Australia joined the war as Britain’s ally, losing 60,000 troops in the conflict. This magazine reflects on the country’s time at war. World War One Collection by Adrian Van Klaveren: Reviews WW1 history and commemorations. The Great War (WW1) by Andrew Cowan: Insightful images from the frontlines and beyond. WWI & WWII by Theresa Coble: Six curators work together to collect articles pertaining to two of the last century’s major conflicts. World War I. 1914 – 1918 by Haralampos A. Zarotiades: A unique insight into the Great War through maps and other images. ~JessE is reading is reading “Summer Food and Fun” /flipboard @flipboard +flipboard