Serbia 8 1913.

*A letter to the family of Nedeljko Čabrinović, the man who threw a grenade at Franz Ferdinands car and was captured by authorities after a failed suicide attempted.*

Our plan is complete. After months of planning and a good amount of luck, the Black Hand has killed Franz Ferdinand. We were astonished that the assassination was complete, and that once again Serbia and all of the slavs will finally become united again. I tried throwing a bomb in his vehicle, but was unsuccessful. I tried taking the cyanide to end my life, but for some reason that failed. I then jumped off of a bridge to escape, but was apprehended after I jumped into the water which  was only a few feet deep. The president now has to give a speech about how “shocked” our country is that he died even though we were the ones who killed him. Good riddance in my opinion. If Austria-Hungary is gullible enough to see through our deception it would be astounding. Though their president is prone to violence we’re hoping that he buys this and doesn’t try to attack us for I fear it may be the end of this great nation. Though we cannot rely too much on our allies in this we will probably end up needing their help to recapture our territory needed from Austria Hungary to unite the people that yearn to be Slavs once again. My sentence, as you probably know, is 20 years. It could have been much shorter given if my cyanide tablet had worked. Though it gives me the opportunity to see what me and my comrades have started and will allow the seed of our actions to blossom. Though my sentence is long I do not care because I know this Tuberculosis will take me instead of the Austro-Hungarians. This is why we did this in the first place, we had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I wish to see you all again someday and I miss you all very much.

With love, Nedeljko Čabrinović

Montenegro. 8. 1913.

*A 15 year old boy with a father who died in the Balkan Wars writes in his journal*

Hello Journal. It’s been 87 days since the passing of my father. I feel that every day the number moves up by, it seems smaller and the days start to form into one solid period of suffering and grief. Yet, at the same time, I have become accustomed to it, and it seems like it is all becoming normal, but worse than before my fathers passing. Today, I heard a man from the factory say that there may be another conflict happening soon. We have just ended the Balkan Wars a few months prior, so it seems so rushed that we may again be in another conflict. I discussed the news of this to some boys I work with, and they all told me that they would die to protect their countries, just like many of their fathers did before them. We may be a small country, many here have a sense of pride that large countries might not have. We are also very happy to have stayed allied to Serbia, as they have a great army that could help us. I fantasy the day I could be out helping my country and for the right people, just like my father before me.

Greece. 8. 1913. 

*A Greek wife writing to her husband who moved to America to start a new life for them New York*

Rumors of a potential war are going on. We have just finished the Balkan War, and we came away well. We were lucky to gain a little land in the end, and are now a free country. But with this new war potentially happening, we are concerned that Bulgaria may want some of the land we, in a way, took from them during the Balkan War. If the war happens, it may give them the excuse to try to invade, which is not in our best interest. The president has tried offering peace in case of a war, but the offer is still pending. We have to remain neutral for now even though we have offers from both sides to join. I fear if we choose too early it will be the end for our country because the Serbs could come in from the North, or the Ottomans could come in from the East. Whatever happens though, we cannot let Bulgaria have the land our brave men fought for. It would mean they gave their lives in vain. My only wish is to reunite our family and move onto the next chapter of our lives in America. Our beloved 3 year old son Estevan asks when you’re coming home everyday. It takes all my strength to hold back tears and to tell him day after day that we’ll see him soon. We both miss you and love you very much.

Love, your beloved wife, Evangeline

Serbia 8 1914.

*A letter to a Serbian soldiers fiance about the events that happened while he was in battle*

Hello dearest Anastasia,

The horrors I have seen since our great country mobilized are unimaginable. Poison gas, artillery, and the carnage are just some of the things I wish to get away from just to see your face. Austria-hungary decided not to attack us even though we assassinated their ruler. It was strange to be quite frank but i’m sure they have a higher goal in mind. Our allies are trying to push up to the German border in hopes of defending themselves. The British Navy is even moving down to fight the Ottoman navy in hopes of eventually taking the Eastern part of their territory. I just hope they can get to us quickly before Austria-Hungary decides to attack us. We hope to employ Italy to help with our naval and ground assaults for the extra man power. It would also allow us to move troops easier through them. Our army is very small so we’re going to take all the help we can get. Our plan so far is to sit tight and await for the support of the allies before we go on the offensive. I will write back as soon as I can if I am not killed in a skirmish.

With love, Willhelm

Montenegro. 8. 1914.

*A letter from a general to his wife*

Dear Maria,

The war is starting to ramp up. We are getting reports that many countries are starting to mobilize troops, we even heard reports of a Austrian-Hungarian attack into Russia. Unfortunately, we are not able to train more troops, as we have very few able men to take from the population. Other generals are concerned about our positioning and whether or not we will get support from larger nations if we are to be involved in the war. We hope the allied nations will help us, but other than sending troops by sea, we will not be helped as we seem very isolated from the rest of our company. There will most definitely be action going on between Austria-Hungary and Serbia soon, so I fear it will be inevitable that something will happen to us. Maria, I may not have time to come home for Christmas, as this situation is starting to ramp up into the New Year. I hope the best for you and our daughter. Also please tell my mother to make my favorite dish for christmas, just in case I am able to make it home. 

Sincerely, Stevan

Greece. 8. 1914.

*A telegraph from a greek soldier to his family*

Hello dearest family, it’s been about 6 months since I left for bootcamp and it is infinitely worse than anything I could ever imagine. I was continuously sore for the first 3 weeks but after that I got used to our workouts. The word around here is we’re preparing an army in case anyone tries to attack us, but we won’t be attacking any countries anytime soon. Our orders are to stay put and await further instruction. I hope this war either ends, or we get to see some action because it’s very boring around here. There isn’t much to do other than train or relax in our barracks, even that gets boring after a while. All in all I hope to get home soon to see you all again and don’t forget to feed my fish twice a day! 

With love, Adrian

Serbia. 8. 1915.

*Serbian Soldier sends a letter back to his parents after coming back from Bulgaria*

Dear Mother and Father,

We are victorious! Since the last I’ve seen you, we were attacked from the North by Austria-Hungary. Even Montenegro sent in some of their troops to aid us, I could only imagine the outcome of this battle if they had not supported us. I made friends with some of the Montenegrin soldiers, a man named Advan and I have agreed to open a bar together once this conflict ends and we both survive. Although this could be the drinks talking I think we could do it. After a long, brutal battle, we were successfully defended the home land and were able to spend that night celebrating. Sadly, many sacrificed their lives to be able to still have the freedoms we still have today. A few days later, the Allies sent an attack on the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria sent every single one of their troops to defend the Ottoman Empire. It was a huge mistake on their end because it allowed us to move in and take control of their country. We plan to leave a small army to keep it under our control. 

See you soon, Hanz

Montenegro. 8. 1915.

* Montenegrin commander filling in his battalion about helping Serbia when they were attacked by Austria-Hungary*

“Listen up! You men are some of the best men I have had the privilege to command. This is why I have chosen you all for this arduous task. I know we don’t have the best budget, gear, or man power compared to our allies, but a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I truly believe in my heart that with our help, Serbia will prosper another day and we go home knowing that we have saved countless lives. Not only the lives of the Serbian’s, but the lives of our families at home as well. The only thing I ask of you all is to fight as if these people were your own. Now, suit up and say your goodbyes, you may not see the person to your left or to your right once this battle is over. I thank you all, and God bless, may you live to fight another day.”

Greece. 8. 1915.

*A conversation between the foreign minister and the president of Greece about their stance in the war*

Foreign Minister (FM): “Mr President may I have a word with you?”

President (P): “Yes come in, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

(FM): “What exactly do you plan to do with us sir? Our people are worried about Germany and Austria-Hungary sweeping all of the Allied countries to the North and then conquering us next. I just want to know what you’re thinking. We can’t stay neutral forever.  Either the Allies are going to get to us first or the Central Powers will. We need to do something.”

P: “ I understand your concern, truly, I do. You have to stop looking at it from a strategic standpoint, and look at it from our point of view. As you know, our country is small and our army isn’t as good as it was thousands of years ago. We cannot afford to pick a side too early because if we pick the losing side, we are all doomed. 

FM:  “Sir, we need to decide soon, The allies have already taken part of the Ottoman empire and are moving up to support Serbia. They need all the help they can get. Ultimately it’s up to you but we don’t know how much time there is for us.

P: “I know, I just need more time to think, weigh in all the options. Will that be all?

Fm: “Yes sir, that is all.”

 Serbia. 8. 1916.

* A Serbian soldier writes in his journal*

I don’t believe it, the Germans tried to strike a deal with Great Britain to turn neutral so the Allies could take out Austria-Hungary. By doing this however, it must have upset a higher power and Germany’s troops suddenly overthrew their leaders and joined Austria-Hungary’s ranks. Now Austria-Hungary controls the remaining Central Powers. This could be bad for the Allies because now they are all under one command. Some good news is that we have exterminated the Ottoman empire entirely and can no longer contest against us. We also gained Romania as an ally, we can use their manpower but I dont think their army is as good compared to the other Allied forces but we need everything we can get to even give Germany a fight. Germany also decided to move out of Russia after a deal they struck with Russia’s president. I’d be weary of their intentions, it seems like a trap. More to come soon, I just hope I stay alive to tell the tale.

Montenegro. 8. 1916.

*The president of Montenegro comments on the events of the war to the press*

“We don’t know why, but something or someone convinced the German army to overthrow their leaders and serve the Austro-Hungarians. This may have been because their leaders wanted to go neutral and establish a democratic monarchy. This isn’t good for the Allies, now that those armies are under one command it will be easier for them to coordinate attacks during this time. We don’t know anything else about this and were trying to get more information. In other news we have successfully taken the Ottoman empire over and have gained control of their land. This is huge for the Allies because it’s one less Central Power to worry about. We have also gained Romania as an ally in this war which is good because they have lots of troops to spare. Russia also struck a deal with the Central Powers to give them their land back but it would be wise not to trust them since they still are our enemy. That’s all in terms of news I will take no questions at this time thankyou.”

Greece. 8. 1916 

* Greek president comments on the events in a press conference*

“The German army was merged under the Austro-Hungarian army after the leaders were overthrown when they accepted a deal with Great Britain which would let them pull out of the war if they established a democratic monarchy. This isn’t good for us because they are both really powerful armies and they have lots of troops that could easily sweep the Balkans if they wanted. In other good news the Ottoman Empire has been defeated for good after the Allies pushed them back to their last bit of territory. That’s one less country to worry about now. Romania has also joined the Allied forces, they have lots of troops to provide and they will accept their help with open arms as well as defend them in return. German forces have also moved out of Russia for some reason, not that it’s any of our business but I think it’s a trap for Russia and taking their advantage of eagerness to recapture lost land. More news to come and I will let you all know if the tide changes, thankyou and have a good night.”

Serbia. 8. 1917.

* A platoon leader briefing his men about the new allies they’ve gained*

“Gentlemen, the Greeks have finally decided to join us in defending us against the unstoppable force at our border. I want you all to get to know each other as soon as possible so you can be coordinated in the event of an attack. They may not have the best army but it will take everything we have to stop the enemy from taking over our beloved country. However, do not be afraid. We will solve the age old mystery about what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. We gentlemen, are immovable objects. Company dismissed.

Montenegro. 8. 1917

*A telegram to the Allies about Montenegro’s strategy for the remainder of the war from the president of Montenegro*

As you all know, we are a small country with limited manpower. The battle we helped fight in Serbia has left our forces very weak and depleted. We feel that it’s in our best interest to not aid in any other engagements to ensure that we have all the help we can get in case of attack on our homeland. However, we are willing to help the allies in any other ways possible like allowing them to send troops through our country to attack. Let it be known that we still have the allies best interests at heart and will fight if truly needed, but for now we must regroup so we have at least some defense. We apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.

Signed, President of Montenegro 

Greece. 8. 1917

*The President of Greece addressing his people about his decision on their position in the war*

My people. I know that some of us may have different views about our stance in this great war, but there comes a time where we need to pick a side. We can no longer stand by and watch as the Allies, who supported our independence, fight on our behalf and sacrifice their people for the greater good of everyone. We no longer have to worry about attacks from Bulgaria, for the Serbians have taken control of it in Bulgaria’s defeat in their failed attempt to support the Ottoman Empire. I know some of you may be scared, you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t. We must remember our roots and fight like our lives, and the lives of our loved ones depend on it. Because they do. Just like the 300 Spartans did against the colossal Persian army so long ago. That being said, I have dispatched our entire army to Serbia in hopes of aiding them along with the Allied armies to hold the line against a possible attack from Austria-Hungary. This may sound like a bad decision but with the coup in Germany it means that Austria-Hungary is in command of the entire German army as well as their own. It’s all or nothing at this point. If we lose, we go down with honor just like our ancestors. If we win, we celebrate like there is no tomorrow knowing we lived up to our reputation. As Alexander the Great once said “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” Not only do we intend to try, we intend to succeed. Thank you, and may the might of Zeus shine down and aid us through this troubling time.

Serbia. 8. 1918.

* The Serbian president is allowed to address his people one last time at gunpoint from a soldier of Austro-Hungarian army*

“My people, I want to first thank you all who put me into office. It has been a pleasure to lead you in before and during this time. My only regret is that our men and Greeces men were not enough to hold down our precious homeland. I want you all to hold on longer, i’m sure in time there will be a day where we will gain our freedom once again and be free from the control of these Austro-Hungarian pigs!”

*He gets hit on the back of the head with the soldiers rifle and is shot*

Montenegro. 8. 1918.

* The president of Montenegro addressing his people about what happened in the final days of the war*

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some terrible news to share with you. My friend, the leader of Serbia, was shot after Austro-Hungarian forces took over the capital and the whole country. He was the one who pioneered our goal of uniting all of or Slavic brothers and sisters that yearned to be whole again. However, his efforts will not go unnoticed, in these final years of the war he managed to unite Greece with us. He accomplished our goal partially, but it was up to us to finish it. We could not, we didn’t have the manpower, for that I am sad. But we must celebrate what we have achieved and be thankful that we have not suffered the same fate as Serbia.”

Greece. 8. 1918

*The Greek president addressing his people about the loss of their army in Serbia*

“I know what you’re all thinking. Why did we send our whole army to defend a neighboring country when we could defend ourselves now?” I have come to the conclusion that if we had not put our full efforts into the cause of uniting our Slavic people that we may have never done it at all. However, we tried. Like I said last year as we were joining the war, we would die with honor as or ancestors did long ago. Every single one of those soldiers died with honor and made their ancestors proud. We gave it our best effort but it simply was not meant to be. My condolences go out to the families of the soldiers who laid down their lives for our cause. I thank you all and for your time and God bless.