Before 1914, Europe was a complex web of competing nationalisms and secret treaties, which the book unpacks to explain how a single assassination ignited the war. The book begins by examining the pre-war world and then moves to detailed accounts of major battles before focusing on the aftermath, including the Treaty of Versailles. Through a combination of primary and secondary sources, the book connects military history to political, social, and economic factors.
This book offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the human experience of the war, drawing on personal accounts and narratives to bring the conflict to life. It provides a balanced and nuanced account of the war, avoiding simplistic generalizations and acknowledging the diverse perspectives of those who lived through it. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations and the dangers of unchecked nationalism.