Oh what a lovely war.

[Guest Stephen Turner]

Jean Jaures, French Socialist party leader in 1914, was the last possible bulwalk against the First World War. He was a giant of moral, and political stature, with a remarkable ability to find alternative, positive solutions to problems. His assassination, the same year, ensured that the slaughter of millions would go ahead. As the storm clouds of war gathered he continued to advocate closer relations with Germany, and even tried to persuade German socialist to strike against war in Europe. Shortly after his return to Paris, Jaures was assassinated by a 28 year old nationalist fanatic, Raoul Villain. Three days later Germany declared war on France. MORAL? Dont dare get in the way of a good war, there's money in corpse's.