Synopses & Reviews
Includes bibliographical references (p. 525-531) and index.
Review
"...insightful...The Origins of World War I deserves reading by anyone interested in World War I or decision making in conflict situations." History"This volume presents a new approach to the origins of the Great War.... The authors offer many interesting and original interpretations: the British military had minimal effect on civilian decisions; the alliance systems were defensive rather than offensive; British Foreign Minister Grey was more pro-war than represented in earlier interpretations; and businessmen were generally anti-war, suggesting that economic liberalism was largely irrelevant.... Highly recommended." Choice
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
Discusses and examines the possible causes of World War I.
Synopsis
Discusses and examines the arguments traditionally put forward as explanations for the First World War. The book concludes with an alternative proposition for explaining the War, based on elites and coteries, their background and training, and on their unique agendas.
Table of Contents
1. World wars: definition and causes Richard F. Hamilton and Holger H. Herwig; 2. The European wars: 1815-1913 Richard F. Hamilton; 3. Serbia Richard C. Hall; 4. Austria-Hungary Graydon A. Tunstall, Jr.; 5. Germany Holger H. Herwig; 6. Russia David Alan Rich; 7. France Eugenia C. Kiesling; 8. The United Kingdom J. Paul Harris; 9. Japan Frederick R. Dickinson; 10. The Ottoman empire Ulrich Trumpener; 11. Italy Richard F. Hamilton and Holger H. Herwig; 12. Bulgaria, Romania and Greece Richard C. Hall; 13. The United States John M. Cooper, Jr.; 14. Why did it happen? Holger H. Herwig; 15. On the origins of the catastrophe Richard F. Hamilton; Appendix A. Chronology; Appendix B. Dramatis personae; Appendix C. Suggested readings.