This documentary is part of a series that describes wars, battles, and revolutions that were turning points in Western history.

This documentary is part of a series that describes wars, battles, and revolutions that were turning points in Western history. In this volume, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 is examined. The critical roles played by railroads, breech-loading artillery and telegraphs are examined in some depth. Though brief, the war was a shocking blow to French pride, left Paris in ruins and in many ways set the stage for the World Wars that followed. Though brief, and recorded in EP mode, this is one of the few videos on the subject. As such, its use is appropriate for some educational contexts.—Paul Gerard Kennedy