Introduction

An explanation and commemoration of Asia’s contribution to the Great War, aka World War 1.

Over 100 years ago, nearly two million men across Asia were recruited to fight in World War One. Today, few remember their sacrifice. From India’s Forgotten Army to the Chinese Labour Corp, Vietnam’s war and rebellion to Japan’s alliance and subsequent imperialism, the series examines Asia’s war effort and how it changed the continent forever.

Outline

Over 100 years ago, nearly two million men in Asia were recruited to fight in the greatest war humanity has ever witnessed.

They were Indian soldiers from remote communities, Chinese farmers from rural outposts, Vietnamese fishermen participating on behalf of their French colonial masters, and Japanese sailors in service of their emperor.

Today, few remember their sacrifice. But their participation in World War I heralded the start of great change in their homelands.

In India, it was the first time Punjabis and Tamils from Hindustan became aware of their shared Indian identity. In China, the war had a role in the formation of the Chinese Communist Party. In Vietnam, it created entrepreneurial opportunities in industries then firmly controlled by the French. And in Japan, it brought the country even closer to the perils of empire.

In 2018, as the world commemorates the centenary of the end of WWI, this series will examine Asia’s contribution to the war, and how the war changed Asia forever.

Asia in the Great War Series

• Episode 01: India: The Forgotten Army.
• Episode 02: China: Behind the Trenches.
• Episode 03: Vietnam: War and Rebellion.
• Episode 04: Japan: An Ambitious Ally.

Production & Filming Details

• Presenter(s):
• Director(s):
  • Ye-Rinne Park
• Producer(s):
  • Thomas Ellis … executive producer
  • Sohail Khan … assistant producer
• Writer(s):
• Music:
• Cinematography:
• Editor(s):
• Production:
• Distributor(s):
  • Dreamscape Media (Canada, 2020)(video)
  • Dreamscape Media (United States, 2020)(video)
• Release Date: 14 November 2018 and 28 July 2020 (US).
• Running Time: 48 minutes (per episode).
• Rating: Unknown.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)