Customer Reviews:
The Zimmermann Telegram and U.S. entry into WW I.......2007-05-14
This book, by an eminent historian, greatly enlightened me as to the primary events that caused our entry into WW I. I heretofore had thought that the Lusitania sinking and the resumption of untrestricted submarine warfare were PRIME, while the Zimmermann Telegram was realtively minor and/or a British hoax. However, the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram "galvanized" U.S. citizens like nothing else could have and the credibility of it was, strangely, even admitted to by Arthur Zimmermann himself. Had always been curious as to just what part the "Telegram" had played and/or the above-mentioned potential for it being a British hoax?
Also, I was appalled at German stupidity and arrogance in thinking their code could NOT be broken. Incredibly, they AGAIN did the same thing in WW II and "The Ultra Secret" thing. People, even of the vaunted intelligence of the Teuton, are still prone to studpidity. For more of this latter, see Mrs. Tuchman's work: "The March of Folly". The Japanese too, were not immune, reference "Magic" intercepts in WW II.
The Second Mexican-American War ?.......2007-04-20
This is the second book by Barbara Tuchman that I've read and once again, her writing skills are manifest. She has taken a seemingly minor document (maybe not all that minor), showing the conception behind it, its transmission to German agents in Mexico, its decoding by British Naval Intelligence agents, and its release to American government officials, and hence we have this captivating and dramatic story. In Tuchman's view, this document was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, which in this case was America and its leaders (most especially Wilson's) reluctance to enter into the First World War.
A cast of scores come to the surface in this book, many of whom I knew little about, from British intelligence figures, German and Mexican agents trying to formulate a plan for alliance, along with Japan, and others from various diplomatic and political spheres of influence from the Allied and Central Powers. As in the Guns of August, I sense her abilities in capturing the drama of the moment and the human elements of the stories. This is a relatively small book, but is choke full of information.
For me, the power of her words and description really started pouring forth from the chapter entitled Trap. Her portrayals of various German diplomatic figures like Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg, Ambassador Bernstorff, President Wilson, Walter Hines Page, Balfour and others symbolize her talents in portraying the human elements of the story. The depiction of American naivete on foreign affairs and the dangers posed by the Central Powers came across in this book. For example, how the Americans warmly greeted incoming German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann and how Wilson refused to believe that Germany's declaration of unrestricted U-Boat warfare would deter the Americans efforts to remain neutral; Wilson still wanted to bring the belligerent powers to a settlement, or as Wilson called it, a peace without victory.
Once again, a marvelous work by a wonderful historian.
Interesting but not compelling given history.......2007-04-19
Tuchman was a fine historian, however she wrote this book before the expiration of the British Official Secrets Act on the Zimmermann Telegram whereupon it was revealed it was, indeed, a fake concocted by the British Secret Service as a ploy to entice the US into the war. That did not happen until 1966-7. At the time it was distrusted by American opinion, as just that, a British fake. However the sinking of the Lusitannia removed any remaining American doubts as to entry in the Great War. Subsequent to the revelation that the Zimmermann Telegram was a fake, (50 years after the fact) followed the item that the Lusitannia was carrying arms and munitions in her hold. The Germans knew this and announced, via ads in New York papers, their intention to sink her, which they did. Undersea exploration has since borne this out. Both incidents drew the US into the war, both were based on falsehoods. In war, the first casualty is truth. Now, what makes us think 9ll is anything different??
Crisp Narrative of Intrique.......2007-02-11
Historian Barbara Tuchman tells the full story of the Zimmerman Telegram in gripping detail. As many know, this note was sent by the German foreign minister to Mexico at the height of World War I. Germany hoped to spur increased conflict between the USA and Mexico, and thus keep America's industrial might from joining the Allies. But Zimmerman's note was intercepted by British intelligence, which quickly decoded it. Then as the author shows, Britain held on to it and waited to release their discovery at the right moment. That moment came in early 1917 as Germany announced it was resuming unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic. The effect in the USA was electric, and it spurred President Woodrow Wilson, a near-pacifist, to ask Congress to declare war on Germany.
Historian Barbara Tuchman (1912-1989) was a talented popular historian with a nicely readable style. This 1958 book is not that long in pages, but it's great for information, tension, and history.
Very entertaining and exciting.......2006-12-04
Barbara Tuchman's style is so refreshing -- she brings a perspective to history that I never thought existed.
The story of intrigue during the first world war and the efforts of the Germans to keep the US out of it so that Germany could launch what it thought would be the final death blow to Britain. The telegram referred to in the book was intercepted but because of the intrigue could not be made immediately public to the American Public.
Very good story
Book Description
In analyzing the causes of World War I without concern for the question of guilt, the author places emphasis on two central facts: first, that when statesmen and peoples took actions they knew might lead to war, they were not envisaging the catastrophe that the war became but rather a quick and limited war; and, second, that among the many conflicts that might have led to war, the one that did was the threat to the integrity of Austria-Hungary posed by Serbia and Serb nationalism.
Customer Reviews:
A New Look at WWI.......2007-06-25
The causes and course of the First World War are taught to every high school student in the country. And in every textbook and supplement available to the teachers the three threats of nationalism, militarism, and colonialism are named as the trinity of death and destruction on the road to war. Historian and author Laurence Lafore takes issue with this commonly held belief in his book The Long Fuse : An Interpretation of the Origin of World War I. It is Lafore's contention that colonialism left only traces of its conflicts in Europe, and militarism might have hurried the war, but it was the idea of nationalism, and specifically nationalism in Serbia and its incompatibility with Austria, that is the root and reason of the war.
In The Long Fuse, Lafore looks at virtually every event, person, and idea that might be considered a cause of the war. The rise of German power, nationalism, militarism, the end of the Bismarkian system, and the rise of the alliances are all addressed. And while Lafore accurately places the items in their proper time and place the conclusions he draws from them are markedly different than the standard textbook.
Germany plays a central roll in Lafore's book. Indeed, it is the emergence of Germany as a new power in Europe that was a catalyst for the other great powers to begin to reevaluate their positions. According to Lafore, while Germany's power was undeniable the threat they posed to the other nations was not insurmountable. Lafore does examine Germany's fateful attachment of nationalism to its military power and their seemingly belligerent actions in the uncertain moments after the Archdukes Assassination but he explains them in a context that prevents them from being causes of the war. They become only fuel and not the match. The fuel furthermore might have been rendered inert if time and diplomacy were aloud to continue.
The author's argument against colonialism as a factor in the war is very convincing. Despite Fashoda, Morocco and other "near misses" the conflicts in the third world were kept as separate issues as far as the Great Powers were concerned. At the most they served as expressions of nationalism and pride for their mother countries and in the end seemed to barley leave a trace on Europe. Lafore is so definite in this statement that one feels obliged to take him at his word. But the evidence that he presents is proof enough that the textbooks and students of the Great War need to rethink the colonial connection.
After 268 pages of dense reading Lafore of explaining what was not a cause of the war he eventually explains what was. According to Lafore, the fact that Austria-Hungary was a supranational state in a system of national states made it fatally venerable to small nationalistic movements such as those in Serbia. Not only did they have to treat forcefully with these elements they could not easily retreat or negotiate. On the other hand the death of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of the Balkan states as well as the social awareness of the time made Serbian nationalism a potent and unstoppable force. This was the incompatibility that could not be negotiated, counseled, mitigated or ignored. All other "causes" could have, and most likely would have, been overcome, but not the Serbian Question.
What all the other causes did was provide a long fuse that brought the conflict from the Balkans to the rest of Europe. The alliances and prejudices created by decades of geo-political activity made the outbreak of a general war possible. To paraphrase Lafore; what was important to Europe was what the German military did, what the German Military did was what Austria needed, and what Austria needed was to deal harshly with Serbia. The chain of events that followed is well documented and is not Lafore's reason for listing them. Instead, at several places in these rapid and tragic events Lafore shows the readers different attempts to stop the insanity and the genuine efforts by some to prevent war. Such actions lend weight to his contentions that negotiation and détente was what could be expected in Europe on virtually ever other matter but the one that presented itself in August 1814.
Lafore's book is an exhaustive yet efficient treatment of the prewar years. Being both heavy with information and relatively short means that the book feels dense and requires the reader's utmost concentration. His concise and logical presentations make his arguments convincing but, Lafore's lack of adequate maps hampers the reader's ability to absorb the contents more readily. With judicious notes, supplemental maps, and a Zen state of reading concentration The Long Fuse is a terrific source of information on the Great War and a welcome contribution to the constant reevaluation of history.
Lessons for a post 9-11 world.......2006-08-10
This fascinating and readable account of the causes of World War I goes far beyond discussion of rigid mobilization plans and ill-considered alliances among Great Powers (though the author covers these areas thoroughly enough). Mr. Lafore takes us to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the dangerous issues that metastasized between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, and the fatality of Russian decisions. It also carries important lessons for today.
Germany's two-front war plan and the generally provocative mobilization requirements of the period are often discussed elsewhere. There has been maybe less study of what in the post 9-11 world looks like an elephant in the living room. Serbia's blatant support and encouragement of anti-Hapsburg terrorism and Russia's military support of Serbia's hostile policy are extremely interesting in comparison to the current world situation.
Lafore seems to show that the general nature of what became World War I was not inevitable. Russia did not have to guarantee Serbia's intolerable antagonism of Austria. Before German armies rolled into Belgium, setting the world on fire, Russia signaled its decision to militarily protect Serbia's terrorist campaign to bring down the Austria-Hungarian government.
More than just Germany's fault.......2006-02-26
Laurence Lafore concentrates on the events which caused the First World War. Germany's fault is well founded but they did not cause the war by themselves. Lafore shows how other nations played a part in the events which caused the Great World War. Lafore does not blame any one nation, he simply points out the domino effect which brought about WWI and actually delayed the war until 1914.
In the spirit of A. J. P. Taylor, Lafore acknowledges the German actions but also points out they were not alone.
Buy This Book.......2002-02-12
This is absolutely the clearest, most concise, and yet complete book you can find on the origins of WW1. Not a waste of money like many. Most important is the detailed annalysis of how the internal conditions of the European powers influenced foreign policy decision making. The book is a clear warning about the difficulties and dangers in the conduct of foreign affairs inherent to multinational states.
Thw Long Fuse.......2001-09-03
At first glance, The Long Fuse, by Laurence Lafore, may seem dated. Originally written in 1971 with a second edition printed in 1997, it retains enough of the first edition to make the reader wonder if modern scholarship may have passed it by. True there is no indication of what has been updated in the newer edition, and the author in the early chapters does little to challenge long standing conclusions on World War One's origins. But Lafore ultimately shows why his original work warranted a second edition.
This book does not examine economic, social, or military causes of the war in any great detail. In part this is what makes the book appealing. Lafore instead follows traditional diplomatic arguments upon which his conclusions are based. He does seem to favor conservative viewpoints by stating the fringe areas of Europe (the Balkans, Ireland, and frontier provincial areas such as Alsace-Lorraine) did much to thwart the ambitions of the great powers. He also reluctantly includes Austria-Hungary with the great powers though it was comprised of the very fringe areas he is critical of.
Lafore does avoid one traditional Anglo-French opinion, that Germany bore sole responsibility for the war. This he flatly denies. Instead, he shows how each great power was in part responsible for its own actions, and how their actions subsequently crossed the frontiers and affected their neighbor's or allies'.
The title is somewhat a misnomer as he seems to brush on the period of 1871-1913 though in insufficient detail to connect it to the outbreak of war in 1914. In fact the first half of the book is a bit meandering. However, the real merit of the study covers the period 1913/4 and this is where Lafore exhibits his understanding of the wars' origins. But this does not mean the reader should merely skim the early chapters. There are ample euphemisms, witticisms, arcane words, and indeed humor ("No one quite agreed on where Macedonia was-but wherever it was, it was a problem.") to keep ones interest.
But it remains the last chapters, and especially the final pages that demonstrates the books' value, and for this reason it should be considered by anyone with an interest in the Great Wars' origins.
Book Description
"A classic [that] covers superbly a whole era...Engrossing in its glittering gallery of characters."
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Robert K. Massie has written a richly textured and gripping chronicle of the personal and national rivalries that led to the twentieth century's first great arms race. Massie brings to vivid life, such historical figures as the single-minded Admiral von Tirpitz, the young, ambitious, Winston Churchill, the ruthless, sycophantic Chancellor Bernhard von Bulow, and many others. Their story, and the story of the era, filled with misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and events leading to unintended conclusions, unfolds like a Greek tratedy in his powerful narrative. Intimately human and dramatic, DREADNOUGHT is history at its most riveting.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Educational, entertaining and highly informative........2007-09-13
Probably one of the best histories of the period yet produced and - as an important bonus - written in excellent English.
Massively detailed,awesome in scope; at times dragging........2007-07-14
The book discusses a period in history when British power was at its height.
However emergence of Germany as a great power disturbed the status quo.
To exacerbate matters, Germany was ruled by a man who was abrasive,impetous,
arrogant.Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted nothing but an exalted status for his nation
under the sun. He advocated that Germany must have a colonial empire like Britain and
a strong navy commensurate to her status. "Seize the trident",Kaiser said. This forms the background to the naval
armament race between the two nations.
Both incurred colossal expenditure in building Dreadnoughts. This was a super
battle ship [huge,floating steel monster] capable of cruising at high speed and firing
armor-piercing shell at a long- range.Thanks to wealth she could draw from colonies
London was able to withstand the strain.
Kaiser's scheme of things envisaged a subordinate role for Britain under renascent
Germany which English pride,self-respect found hard to accept.As threat from across
the North Sea mounted ,London was forced to end her splendid isolation .Between
1904-1908 Britain became close with her former enemies : France,Russia.Europe was
now divided into two hostile blocs: Triple Entente,Dual alliance. As tensions mounted
Britain and Germany came closer to war :Agadir crisis in 1905.
German army General Staff was crowded by Prussian militarists .These men had no
qualms in violating in Belgian neutrality: the Schlieffen plan ,how Germany intend to
wage war in the west.Further Berlin was served by an ally [Hapsburg -ruled,partially
defunct Austro-Hungarian empire]which was very brash toward its neighbours.Under such circumstances sanity will never prevail.So the
two like-minded powers fused to generate violence on an unprecedented scale.Sad,tragic
incident in the Balkans, assassination of heir to the Hapsburg throne served as raison d'etre.
My gripe about this book , the text in many areas contains details which has no relevance
the subject making it exceptionally verbose. The book revolves too much around personalities.So I liked it only in patches.
However the section dealing with Admiral John Fisher's life was interesting.Innovations he effected in naval firepower ,ship propulsion revolutionized
war at sea. Also illuminating is author's elaboration of Admiral Alfred Von Tirpitz's
`Risk Theory' and run down of events leading to the outbreak of great war.
A reader requires abundant time, perseverance to wade through this tome.
Indispensable read for history buffs.
An epic of immense proportions........2007-06-02
It was the First World War - known at that time as "The Great War" which changed Britain and Europe forever. As the Generals on both sides sent millions and millions of men to their deaths in the carnage which they regarded as warfare, there came about a change in the psyche of the British male - a change which would herald a complete alteration in the way he thought and acted towards those of the upper, ruling classes. No longer would that British male be so quick to use such words as "M'Lord" or even "Sir." No longer would he doff his cap as a mark of respect, no longer would the ordinary police Constable be so quick to "arrest that man" just because a well dressed person had ordered him so to do.
That change in British Society continues to this day and is easily traced back to the feelings of loss and despair which came with the realisation that far too many young men had died "at the front" - even though the war itself had been won and mainland Britain had escaped unscathed.
In this epic tale, author Robert Massie delves deep into why that war occurred in the first place. Every single aspect of argument and behaviour on both sides (both military and political) is exposed and analysed. As the title of the book would suggest, the theme is the world's first great arms race. When Britain produced the first Dreadnought Battleship it rendered all other battleships obsolete at a stroke (including the remainder of the British Fleet!). From that moment onwards it was always a question of who could produce the most new Dreadnoughts in the quickest possible time. Set against this wish by both Britain and Germany to be seen as the world's supreme masters of the seas was a political intrigue which few have been able to commit to print in such a masterly fashion as is found in this book.
In short, this is one of the greatest books of our time. It is also a damn fine read.
NM
A history book characterized by a superb literary readability........2007-03-18
Dreadnought is a delightful book for readers of different backgrounds thanks to its author's masterful literary style. Historians will most probably pick up what are supposed to be its flaws, such as the Library Journal's review. Yes, I agree with the reviewer: such topic is too complex because "The British and German systems were too complicated and too democratic to respond to a biographical focus". But when I think of History in all its complexity and multifaceted possible approaches, an author whom is capable of going far beyond what the title of his book and to stimulate the reader to further research of a critical moment of recent history, this alone is more than laudable. Mr. Massie created an outstanding book which may even be misleading in its title: for those not acquainted with naval history, the title Dreadnought may be almost meaningless, but the work will fascinate almost anyone interested in the history of XX Century because it makes several points more clear to the general reader: the complex implications of German unification under Bismark and the radical changes in world's economy already underway at that time. The reader will notice that the U.S. industrial strength and pace of development was a factor largely unknown and/or grossly underestimated by European powers. As an attempt to be brief and thorough: this book is extremely successful in its goals. There is not a single book capable to describe the complexities of Europe during and after Chancellor Bismark until World War I. But this book is really helpful and mostly pleasant to stimulate the reader with a fascinating approach. At the same time, what a historian may consider a book overtly focused on biographies actually may be a revealing source about many protagonists such as Kaiser William II and many other outstanding figures of that era, not to mention the antisemitism thriving in German society at that time. I highly recommend this book to all readers interested not only in military, but in contemporary History.
Edward the Caresser Meets the Hun.......2007-01-17
An excellent read. Very well written as we might expect from Robert Massie. I enjoyed it very much and lost countless hours reading late into the night.
A warning: this book is extremely anglo-centric. Those who are looking for a balanced handling of these matters should keep this in mind. The only way to get a balanced accounting of the genesis of WW1 in English is to read widely including the revisionist texts that are heavily discounted by most British and American scholars. This is quite a large task.
Massie tells the story of the run up to the war largely through the device of using narrative accounts of the major political and diplomatic events in Britain and Germany, mostly presented through biographical sketches of their politicians, diplomats and admirals. This makes for fun reading. The book reads like a novel and you get a good idea of the characters of the main players. It's Massie's unabashed admiration of King Edward VII that skews the book however. Edward was not as wise and insightful as the author makes him and Wilhelm was not as flightly and spiteful or motivated by feelings of inferiority.
Dreadnought almost completely ignores economic and social history. There is nothing at all about the working class movements in either country. This is a major weakness. I suppose his desire to tell the tale strictly in a narrative fashion limits the usefulness of statistical data and scholarly exposition. A book I mentioned above, The Arming of Europe and the Making of the First World War can be of great service in filling in some of these gaps.
Part two describes British politics and foreign policy up to 1905. I found this the most interesting section of the book - but I'm a political junkie. Again Massie uses sketches of politicians such as Salisbury, Balfour, Joseph Chamberlain and Landsdowne, accompanied by accounts of the "Khaki election" and the dispute over Imperial preference which split the Unionist government. Massie highlights the diplomatic ruptures with Germany - over the Jameson raid and the Krueger telegram, Samoa, and the Boer war. All of this culminates in the breakdown of Chamberlain's tentative Anglo-German alliance negotiations, and leads to the creation of the Anglo-French entente (despite the dispute over Fashoda), and its first test during the Morocco crisis.
Navalists and battleship buffs who might be attracted to this book by its title, will find part three much to their interest. Unfortunately they have to wade through a whole lot of biography to get there. Again this part of the book suffers from its anglo-centric point of view. Very little information about the German fleet is provided (for example, while the problems with inadequate armour on the British battle cruisers are mentioned, the far superior ability of German ships to withstand damage is not). The primary focus is still biographical, with Fisher and, to a lesser extent, his rival Lord Beresford claiming most of the stage.
Parts four and five continue the story up to the outbreak of war. Massie goes into much detail telling the story of the rise of the Liberals, and the Reform Bill and the emasculating of the House of Lords by use of crude threats by Asquith. Churchill and more importantly, Sir Edward Grey come into their own in this section of the book. I thought Massie's handling of Grey's failure to keep the British cabinet informed of European developments, even though he was monitoring continental communiques, was well done. Even so, in Massie's hands it is still hard to see Grey for what he really is - a villain no less than Austrian foreign minister Count Berchtold and France's man in Saint Petersburg, Ambassador Paleologue.
The book ends with Grey's famous coda on his age, 'The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.' This is only fitting because Sir Edward had much to do with the extinguishing of those lamps. All in all a fine but flawed book and I enjoyed it very much with certain reservations.
Book Description
Why did World War I happen? Several of the oft-cited causes are reviewed and discussed in this analysis. The argument of the alliance systems is inadequate, lacking relevance or compelling force. The argument of an accident or "slide" is also inadequate, given the clear and unambiguous evidence of intentions. The arguments of mass demands focusing on nationalism, militarism, and social Darwinism are also arguably insufficient. They lack indications of frequency, intensity, and process or influence on the various decisions.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent overview.......2007-01-16
Joll has written an excellent academic overview and introduction to the origins of the First World War. He covers all the angles, in a way that does justice to the majority of the arguments surrounding the academic debate. If there is a criticism worthy of mention, it is that he covers every argument, yet argues very little. This is perhaps natural, even inevitable, for a work that is intended to introduce the topic, and for readers seeking a sound introduction, this book is certainly worthy.
A Topical Approach to the Causes of World War I.......2006-05-12
The Origins of the First World War by James Joll was a concise but informative study of the major causes of the catastrophe that engulfed Europe and much of the world from 1914-1918. Joll began the book with a summary of the July Crisis of 1914 which was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. The rest of the chapters examined the major problems in Europe that made war inevitable. This review will examine each chapter and its importance in making World War I inevitable.
There were two major alliance systems in Europe in 1914: the Triple Alliance of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy and the Triple Entente which consisted of France, Great Britain, and Russia. The lesser powers in Europe sided with one alliance or another, and their loyalties changed when it suited them. Joll explained how those alliances were formed. It was surprising how weak they were, as Austria-Hungary was frequently at odds with both Germany and especially with Italy. Great Britain also had problems with both France and Russia in the colonial sphere. If it was not for these alliances, then the July Crisis would have either never resulted in a war or the war would have remained localized in the Balkan Penninsula.
I found the next chapter on armaments and strategy to be especially useful. While many nations were spending vast amounts of money preparing for war and conscripting their young men, other states such as Austria-Hungary were spending a relatively low percentage of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. I was surprised that France was investing far more of its resources preparing for the next war than Germany (the French had a three year conscription program).
There were several aspects of strategy that I found especially interesting. General Conrad von Hotzendorf of Austria-Hungary desperately wanted a war as soon as possible to unite the multi-ethnic nation and prevent Serbia from being able to incite the Slavic population. It was also interesting that both Austria-Hungary and Russia were both expanding into the Balkans, making a collision course inevitable. Finally, Germany and Austria-Hungary wanted a war in 1914 because Russia was in the midst of a vast building program (with French money) and they would be virtually unstoppable if the war was delayed until 1916 or 1917.
The chapter on domestic politics demonstrated that many of these nations viewed the war that arose from the July Crisis as a potential diversion from problems at home. The situation in Austria-Hungary has already been mentioned. The Russians believed that they could not back down from the conflict because they had failed to support the Slavic peoples in the Balkans twice before in 1878 and 1911; they would lose virtually all credibility if they backed down a third time in 1914. The Russians also hoped that a victorious war would enable them to achieve their dream of capturing Constantinople. According to Joll, the issue of Irish home rule was tearing the British apart, and they looked forward to a distraction on the Continent.
While France still coveted the lost provinces of Alsace-Lorraine, they did not expect to liberate them anytime soon. Joll believed that the French would have preferred to delay the war until her Russian ally had completed her militarization program.
Imperial rivalries proved to be a minor cause of the war. The author wrote about both the Fashoda conflict and the Moroccan crises in detail. These crises proved how weak the two alliance systems were, as England and France nearly went to war over the former and Italy failed to support Germany in the latter. Nonetheless, nobody was willing to go to war over colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The most important consequence of imperialism to the outbreak of World War I was that Russia was forced to turn west to the Balkans as an avenue for expansion after they were defeated by Japan in 1904-1905.
Joll's overall opinion of the mood of the Europeans towards war was ambiguous. While there were some ultra-nationalist groups in all countries, they were balanced out by Socialists who opposed war. The Socialists hoped that a general strike might prevent Europe from mobilizing for war in the summer of 1914. According to Joll, there were some strikes (especially in France), but this movement was essentially killed when a French nationalist assassinated Jean Jaures ended any possibility that the Socialists could prevent the war; in reality, nationalism proved more powerful that Socialism in 1914.
I was impressed by The Origins of the First World War. This book was clear and concise. It analyzed the major issues in enough detail to give the reader a clear idea as to why war was declared. Not only did one learn about the July Crisis that officially began the war but also the underlying causes that led to this crisis.
Superlative.......2006-01-08
Joll's second edition of 'The Origins of the First World War' is without question one of the finest, most informative, and yet concise and easily readable treatises on the entire complicated topic. His analysis examines multiple factors influencing the war, and is admirably neutral, not displaying taint or bias (particularly that of Fischer), and provides one of the most excellent and succinct general analyses of the failure of the Second International that I have yet come across. Joll's bibliography is an excellent data mine and starting point for further research. Combined with Jannen's treatise on the diplomatic events of July 1914 ('The Lions of July') and Tuchman's classic 'The Guns of August', Joll's work is an essential element in any study of the origins of the single most important cataclysm in 20th century history.
Dry but informative.......2004-09-18
In the Book The Origins of the First World War, James Joll attempts to explain not only the causes of World War I but also begs the question "Why did it take until 1914 for war to break out, why not earlier?" To answer this question, Joll presents both foreign and domestic factors of the main participants and relates how they effected each nation's decision to enter the worst conflict in history to that date.
Each chapter examines a specific aspect of the causes that lead to the war. Throughout the chapters, Joll reveals the connections between the nations and their views toward the current status in Europe as well as other dynamics around the globe. In these comparisons, Joll pinpoints major considerations and analyzes why they were important and how they assisted or deterred a peaceful resolution. His format allows the reader to understand, for example, why Germany insisted on a "Naval Arms Race" with Britain, citing their desire to compete with the other major powers in the trade and colonization arenas.
Joll's research covers numerous factors involved, which shows his extensive research on the subject. The abundance of information supplies the thesis with a concrete foundation, showing the amount of thought put into the piece. Following each chapter is a list of references and notes used in the preceding section. This provides the reader the additional information to understand the subject without disrupting the flow of the text. After the final chapter, Joll incorporates inclusive maps of Europe and Africa, giving the reader reference to important relations between each nation and why border disputes and trade considerations were such a factor.
Joll also entertains the "Long Fuse" theory that many historians have labeled the time subsequent to July 1914. He shows how a crisis or situation that occurred as early as the 1905 Russo-Japanese war effected how the Imperialist nations viewed and reacted to colonial uprising as well as competitive colonization of African and Asia. Not to mention the consideration of Japan defeating a European world power on their way to dominate Southeast Asia, competing with countries such as Britain and France for control.
Throughout the essay, Joll provides useful information on the causes of the First World War without any hint of bias or faultfinding. His ability to remain neutral ensures the reader will not be swayed to Joll's belief or preconceived notions. Origins of the First World War is a well thought out, well written essay exposing many causes of the First World War. Unfortunately it is not a paper solely for entertainment purposes. The information contained will educate any reader interested in the subject, but can be somewhat difficult to grasp and maintain due to the sheer depth to which the author goes to support his conclusions. Unfortunately there is nothing Joll is able to do to combat this problem. As a whole, Joll accomplishes his task of explaining the causes of the First World War, giving the reader valuable information about not only why the war was fought but what kept it from being fought before 1914.
Into the vortex - from all the angles.......2001-10-24
The Origins of the First World War is a highly readable and enlightening tour of the world in mid-1914. Joll doesn't come at you from any particular political perspective and grants you access to all the arguments for the conflict. Nationalism, politics, military expansion, big business interests, imperialism along with conditions in each of the beligerents are examined in a free flowing easy style.
Joll does a very nice job in demolishing the Marxist line that WW1 was the result of imperialism and big business interests. By the end you are left convinced that, while the German naval expansions of 1912 were ultimately to blame for the process that led to war, each country got involved for entirely different reasons. There are good maps which give are easy to understand.
I do have some criticisms though. Each chapter is self contained but doesn't have any sub-headings or breaks. The editors could have spent a little time breaking up the text in each chapter to make the text a bit more readable. There isn't a great deal of attention to longer term history - such as the lingering impact left by the Crimean war and its peace treaty. But these are relatively minor quibbles about history writing that almost ranks as a work of art. Joll was a highly gifted historian.
Book Description
This volume in the Problems in European Civilization series presents the diversity of viewpoints held by the field's most eminent historians. The editor accompanies the essays and documents with his own essay, providing historical context and insights on each problem discussed.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2005-02-09
Views the cause of WWI from multiple perspectives. For example perspectives of historians that believed Austrians were the cause, the somewhat stale view that Germans were the cause, the view that the Russians were the cause, the view that Serbia was the cause, The view that the end of colonialism/imperialism being the cause, as well as various other perspectives in regards to causes.
Each case is argued very well historically and uses seperate facts. As such if you read through the whole book (it's hard... the way the historians write make it difficult on occasion..thus 4 stars instead of 5) you'll get enough facts to come to your own well informed view of WWI and probably will come up with your own opinion as to the cause.
WWI Causes and Responsibilities!.......2002-10-27
Holger H. Herwig's, "The Outbreak of World War I" is a wonderful up-to-date collection of essays from top-notch historians on the current historical debates surrounding the causes and responsibilities of the First World War.
Books from the PROBLEMS IN EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION SERIES are designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate level European history courses. That being said, this book is not an introductory text. The authors of the articles go directly into their subjects, without providing any significant background information. Therefore, you need to have an historical base-level to work from. Nonetheless, it is an excellent tool for students, scholars and general readers of modern European history.
This edition has a wonderful chronology of events, which is helpful in preparing for exams.
An excellent representation on WWI scholarship
Book Description
This innovative new study analyzes the origins of the First and Second World Wars in one single volume by drawing on a wide range of material, including original sources. In concise, readable chapters, the author surveys the key issues surrounding the causes of both wars, offers an original and critical survey of the conflict of opinion among historians and provides a lively selection of primary documents on major issues. The result is a unique perspective on the origins of the two most devastating military conflicts in world history.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2007-10-18
It was easy to read - maybe too easy. I was expecting a more detailed and better organised book. I read history out of curiosity, but my curiosity about the origins of the two World Wars remains unsatisified.
A good introduction to a vast subject........2001-04-20
This is a very short book on such a huge theme...
The book presents the reasons for both wars as an strategic decision by the rulers of Germany. It makes a very good case, of the connection between the reasons for both wars.
Due to its size it is not very detailed, but still is very interesting. The author has included excerpts of historical documents that are related to the reasoning developed in the book.
It is a good book to start understanding why these two wars happened.
Amazon.com
One is sorely tempted to allow the marvelously lucid prose in Alan S. Kahan's new translation of Alexis de Tocqueville's study of the French Revolution speak for itself: "In 1789 the French made the greatest effort ever undertaken by any people to disassociate themselves from their past, and to put an abyss between what they had been and what they wished to become." But as Tocqueville found out when--with the hindsight of half a century--he examined the historical records, the revolution was really not so radical a turn of events. "True, it took the world by surprise, and yet it was the result of a very long process, the sudden and violent climax of a task to which ten generations had contributed." Thus the first volume of The Old Regime and the Revolution concerns itself with the state of affairs before 1798, getting beyond the "confused and often mistaken notions" of his contemporaries "about the manner in which business was conducted, the real practices of institutions ... the real basis of ideas and mores." Although many historians have taken on the French Revolution in the years since Tocqueville's analysis was first published, few have addressed the subject with as effective a combination of insight and clarity. --Ron Hogan
Book Description
The Old Regime and the Revolution is Alexis de Tocqueville's great meditation on the origins and meanings of the French Revolution. One of the most profound and influential studies of this pivotal event, it remains a relevant and stimulating discussion of the problem of preserving individual and political freedom in the modern world. Alan Kahan's translation provides a faithful, readable rendering of Tocqueville's last masterpiece, and includes notes and variants which reveal Tocqueville's sources and include excerpts from his drafts and revisions. The introduction by France's most eminent scholars of Tocqueville and the French Revolution, Françoise Mélonio and the late François Furet, provides a brilliant analysis of the work.
Customer Reviews:
the great French observer of America looks at France.......2000-10-13
Alexis de Tocqueville is, of course, the most perceptive observer of American democracy ever to grace our shores, his Democracy in America one of the most important books ever written about democracy in general and the American Republic in specific. Here, in a less read work, he takes on the origins of the French Revolution and the peculiar French form of democracy it brought and proves an equally keen observer of his own country and countrymen.
De Tocqueville makes several vital points about the French Revolution: first, that it built gradually and, given circumstances in France, was inevitable; second, where the American Revolution had as its lodestar the ideal of freedom, the French Revolution was motivated by a passionate hatred of inequality; third, the demise of all insitutions other than the monarchy in France made it certain that when Revolution came, it would be violent and unchecked; finally, this combination of factors lead to the bizarre nature of the French Revolution, with no developed institutions to turn to once the King was gone and with no great emphasis placed on freedom, the French people were willing to tolerate the nihilism of the Terror and the authoritarianism of the governments that replaced the monarchy. He does not make the case, but it lies before us, that the American Revolution was fundamentally a positive action, a demand for greater freedom, but the French Revolution was a negative action, a demand that the few not own more than the many.
This book was to be followed by a second volume dealing with the the Revolution itself, but he died before he could continue the work. That is a shame; it would have been interesting to have some more insight from him into the French, it seems unlikely that anyone has ever rendered a better description of his people than the one he offers in his Conclusion:
When I observe France from this angle [their temperament] I find the nation itself far more remarkable than any of the events in its long history. It hardly seems possible that there can ever have existed any other people so full of contrasts and so extreme in all their doings, so much guided by their emotions and so little by fixed principles, always behaving better, or worse, than one expected of them....Undisciplined by temperament, the Frenchman is always readier to put up with arbitrary rule, however harsh, of an autocrat than with a free, well-ordered government by his fellow citizens, however worthy of respect they be. At one moment he is up in arms against authority and the next we find him serving the powers that be with a zeal such as the most servile races never display.
In the context of this paragraph, we can begin to understand Vichy France and the bureaucratic tyranny of the modern French nation. I say "begin"...
GRADE: B+
Tres Tres Bien.......2000-04-27
Tocqueville has always been, and probably always will be, known as the author of "Democracy in America," a wide-ranging and perspicacious study of the early republic. However, it's when he writes about his own France, and its political system that he knows so intimately, that Tocqueville is at his best. Unlike "Democracy," "The Ancient Regime" is neither sprawling, judgmental, nor inaccurate. These are excusable lapses, of course, in a grand work of poignant analysis, but such deficiencies do not mar "The Ancient Regime." This book is succinct, beautifully written, expertly researched, and incredibly original. Because Tocqueville was French and worked in the French government, this work is much more focused, specific, and accurate than "Democracy" (written hastily after a 9-month tour of America in 1830-31). It is simply a brilliant work, the creation of a curious and sometimes eccentric mind.
Book Description
This book reassesses the critical role played by Germany in the events leading to the First World War. Contemporary historians have argued that German leaders acted defensively in 1914, conscious of the Reich's deteriorating military and diplomatic position. Hewitson challenges such interpretations, placing new emphasis on the idea that the Reich Chancellor, the German Foreign Office and the Great General Staff were confident that they could win a continental war. Accordingly, they pursued offensive policies--at the risk of war--at important junctures during the 1900s and 1910s. Hewitson contends that the decade before the First World War witnessed critical changes in German foreign policy. During the July crisis of 1914, for example, the perception of enemies had altered, with Russia becoming the principal opponent of the Reich. German leaders could now pursue their strategy of brinkmanship, using war as an instrument of policy, to its logical conclusion.
Customer Reviews:
Detailed Analysis of the Start of World War I.......2005-02-24
It seems like history constantly gets re-written to remove any blame from anybody: contrarian or revisionist historians now claim the Holocaust never happened, Japan doesn't teach their young folk anything about the Rape of Nanking. German historians blame everyone but themselves.
Let's face it, the countries of Europe have a history of going to war with each other just to see who gets to be the boss of more territory. In the 1800's von Bismarck was able to play off many parties to create a German nation from the city states and to gain territory from various neighbors. After his death a series of much less competent individuals tried to continue his policies. They pushed too far, the world pushed back, and somewhere around ten million people died.
This book does an excellent job of analyzing the actions of the Reich Chancellor, the German Foreign Office and the Great General Staff as they bumbled along. They wanted a short and victorious war (how often this seems to be what people who start wars want). They got a war that they simply couldn't understand, and began a century of warfare.
This book is an anchor that points out what these people did, not what some people would have you believe.
Book Description
From the author of the best-selling A Peace to End All Peace (“extraordinarily ambitious, provocative, and vividly written”–Washington Post Book World), a dramatic reassessment of the causes of the Great War.
The early summer of 1914 was the most glorious Europeans could remember. But, behind the scenes, the most destructive war the world had yet known was moving inexorably into being, a war that would continue to resonate into the twenty-first century. The question of how it began has long vexed historians. Many have cited the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand; others have concluded that it was nobody’s fault. But David Fromkin–whose account is based on the latest scholarship–provides a different answer. He makes plain that hostilities were commenced deliberately.
In a gripping narrative that has eerie parallels to events in our own time, Fromkin shows that not one but two wars were waged, and that the first served as pretext for the second. Shedding light on such current issues as preemptive war and terrorism, he provides detailed descriptions of the negotiations and incisive portraits of the diplomats, generals, and rulers–the Kaiser of Germany, the Czar of Russia, the Prime Minister of England, among other key players. And he reveals how and why diplomacy was doomed to fail.
Customer Reviews:
2/3 of the story.......2007-10-12
All major actors are discussed properly here except the Russians.
David Fromkin towards the end does state it is one interesting what-if would be what if Russia did not get involved. He provides little information why they did? But he provides no answer why.
By 1914 the Slavic idea was, a little bit worn out issue in Russia plus Russia was then recovering from a major war with Japan and the 1905 revolution. It was not prepared economically or ideologically for a major war.
The Austria Hungry conflict with Serbia was to Russia an issue of little importance. Surely any competent diplomat would have told Russia that German could not stand back if Russia did successfully fight Austria. Any such conflict was likely to become a major conflict.
So I am left after reading the book wondering why the Russians got involved in a conflict between Serbia and Austria!
Well written, but with a flawed premise. .......2007-04-29
The author has written a book that flows nicely and is very fascinating to read. Characters smoothly enter the narrative and with a little knowledge of the War, it's a book that can be absorbing.
However, the premise that a single individual was to be blamed for the First World War is a terribly flawed premise. This is not an Agatha Christie novel; there is no smoking gun. To say that a single German general was to be blamed for the First World War is fairly ridiculous. von Moltke's fears of the future Russian steamroller or the re-arming of the French and their obsessive need for revanche were understandable in his milieu, but he hardly had a red button which pushed would blow up pre-War Europe.
I also found this book a bit redundant. German war guilt has been pronounced since the first declaration of war in the Russian Foreign Office by Sasonov, the Russian foreign minister. Saying that the Germans of 1914 are to be blamed for starting the First World War is hardly original. However true it might be (and I personally would give the Austro-Hungarians no small measure of blame also), it's terribly redundant as another reviewer mentioned.
Overall it's a good read, but with a flawed premise. It's still enjoyable enough to read to get another angle on the origins of the War.
Be careful what war you wish for, you might get it.......2007-04-01
World War I (The Great War) was an explosion just waiting to happen. The head of the German Army (Moltke the Younger) knew that in a few years that the Russians would become to industrialized to ever be beat on the battle- field. Once they could produce weapons to go with their almost limitless population, Germany would become a hostage to their intrigues. France could be beat, but not with the Russians at their back; so they needed the Austrians to protect their flank when they went after the French. The Austrians only cared about the Balkans, and saw themselves in competition to prevent Serbia from uniting the peninsula against them.
European Wars had been prevented in 1905, 1912 and 1913, but at some point it was all going to blow up. Sarajevo was just the reason, not the cause that let everything fall into place. The three monarchies (Germany, Austro-Hungary and Russia) had week minded kings who couldn't decide what they wanted or who they wanted to do it against. Kaiser Wilhelm was a pretender (much like Mussolini) who loved to play the soldier but wasn't very good at it. Tsar Nicholas was a man born without a spine and with little training to be an autocrat. Emperor/King Franz Joseph, was in his eighties (and his dotage) and only feared that his multi-national empire would break apart before he died.
Even at the point of attack, the Germans might have been able to salvage their situation and beat the French and then use their army to destroy the Russians had they been able to keep out the English. By attacking through Belgium and Luxemburg they forced the hand of Asquith and brought in not just the English, but the whole British Empire. Even then, they almost made do and only lost the war because they lost their nerve and turned at the Marne River in front of Paris instead of going around.
So in the end who was to blame, well the Austrians for not sticking to their guns and just going after the Serbs as soon as possible (thereby letting the French and Russians mobilize) and the German General Staff who felt they had to go after the French and Russians before they became to powerful.
In the end, they ended up destroying four empires (including the Ottoman Empire) causing a hot war that lasted until 1945, a cold war until 1989 and set-up the mess that exist in the Middle East today.
Excellent narration.......2007-01-18
As in all other books I have read by Prof. Fromkin, I find his narration style quite exquisite. This is a very readable popular history book, excellent for beginners on the topic. As pointed out by another reviewer, I ran into some excessive repetitions too but did not find them that irritating. I felt that some more information on seemingly secondary events (such as the Balkan wars, state of the Ottomans, etc) could have been included.
The book is not the result of a special research or new findings by the author; it is a narration of events that gave way to WWI as told, reported and recorded by historians and researchers. There is no asserted thesis or a claim and that is how a book of this type should be. It is a beautiful narrative with some questions and opinions by the author inserted here and there.
An illuminating look at the causes of World War I.......2006-09-04
Europe's Last Summer offers a revealing look at the myriad causes of World War I, particularly for those of us whose high school history textbooks taught that it was brought about simply by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Not only does Fromkin lay out the case that the murder was merely a convenient pretext for a war that Austria-Hungary was already planning, but also that this otherwise local conflict was then twisted by Germany to become the catalyst for a European war that she believed to be both inevitable and necessary.
While the table of contents officially lists eight parts, I think the book is more neatly divided into two. In the first section Fromkin presents a broad overview of European history in the years leading up to the war. The background information helps explain why Austria-Hungary and Germany desired war and how the various European alliances were formed. In the second section Fromkin analyzes the so-called "July crisis", the thirty-seven day period between the assassination and the outbreak of war. While this conflict may have been inevitable, a remarkable series of events had to occur for it to begin in 1914. Fromkin does an excellent job of explaining how, seemingly against all odds, it happened.
As other reviewers have noted, the book can feel redundant at times. And for those already well-versed in World War I history, Europe's Last Summer is unlikely to offer any groundbreaking new information. However, as someone generally interested in history I found the book perfectly readable and highly informative.
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The Guns of August
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Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45
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