Vejas Liulevicius is a distinguished historian specialising in World War I’s Eastern Front, German imperialism, and the lasting geopolitical and psychological impacts of total war. His work sheds light on the often overlooked narratives that shaped Eastern Europe’s tumultuous 20th century.

Expect to discover Vejas’s deep insights into the dynamics of expansionism, nationalism, and war psychology, as well as the connections between World War I, the rise of Nazism, and contemporary conflicts like Russia-Ukraine. He also shares thoughtful reflections on lessons from history for today’s complex global landscape.

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Check out Vejas’ work

Website: https://history.utk.edu/person/liulevicius-vejas-gabriel/

The German Myth of the East: https://amzn.to/45bnslK

00:00 Introduction to the Eastern Front

00:46 Germany's Imperial Ambitions

03:03 Cultural and Psychological Impact

06:37 Comparing Eastern and Western Fronts

10:53 Germany's Pre-War Context

15:42 Total War and Its Consequences

23:07 Expectations vs. Reality

34:55 The Stab-in-the-Back Legend

37:54 Hitler's Rise and Propaganda

44:21 Linking the World Wars

49:48 Impact of World War I on World War II

51:21 France's War Aversion and the Fall of France

52:48 The Haunting Legacy of World War I

57:52 German Military Experiments in Eastern Europe

01:05:50 The Ideology of Lebensraum

01:12:29 German Views on Eastern Europe

01:20:33 Putin's Ambitions and Historical Parallels

01:28:12 Overconfidence in Military Campaigns

01:33:52 The Fog of War and Historical Lessons

01:34:31 Recommended Readings on World War I

01:37:59 Cultural Impact of World War I on Language

01:40:43 Disillusionment and Skepticism Post-War

01:44:17 Formation of the European Union

01:46:28 Stalin's Negative Selection and Its Impact

01:50:40 Human Resilience and Historical Reflection

01:55:05 Visiting Historical Battlefields

02:01:33 Avoiding Future Total Wars

02:07:22 The Role of Reading in Modern Society

02:13:31 Advice to Younger Generations

02:15:48 Conclusion and Future Projects