The Origins of the First World War

Providing a new interpretation of the origins of the First World War, this textbook synthesises recent scholarship and introduces the major historiographical and political debates surrounding the outbreak of the war. William Mulligan argues that the war was a far from inevitable outcome of international politics in the early twentieth century and suggests instead that there were powerful forces operating in favour of the maintenance of peace. His fresh perspective on the pre-war international system takes account of new approaches to the study of international politics since the end of the Cold War and the acceleration of globalisation. Thematic chapters examine key issues, including the military, public opinion, economics, diplomacy and geopolitics, and analyse relations between the great powers, the role of smaller states, the disintegrating empires and the July crisis. This compelling account will significantly revise our understanding of diplomacy, political culture, and economic history from 1870 to 1914.

"Excellent book ... teems with compelling insights and arresting arguments." -Australian Literary Review, Jeffrey Grey

"This is a cogent, finely presented reinterpretation of the origins of the Great War drawing on a large amount of recent scholarship." -Len Shurtleff, Stand To!, The Journal of the Western Front Association

"One must congratulate the author for this excellent work." -Anatol Schmied-Kowarzik, H-Net

"In this refreshing study, Mulligan reevaluates the era after 1871, emphasizing the Great Powers' peaceful coexistence during a long period of strategic balance. Recommended." -Choice

Major new interpretation of the origins of World War I that synthesises recent scholarship and introduces the major historiographical debates.

A new interpretation of the origins of World War I that synthesises recent scholarship and introduces the major historiographical and political debates surrounding the outbreak of the war. It examines key issues, providing a clear account of relations between the great powers, disintegrating empires, and the role of smaller states.

William Mulligan is a lecturer in the School of History and Archives, University College Dublin. He is the author of The Creation of the Modern German Army (2005).

1. Introduction; 2. Security and expansion: the great powers and geopolitics, 1871-1914; 3. The military, war and international politics; 4. Public opinion and international relations; 5. The world economy and international politics before 1914; 6. The July crisis; 7. Conclusion; Bibliography.