The Origins of World War I

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Origins of World War I
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Richard F. Hamilton
Edited by Holger H. Herwig
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:552
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreWorld history
World history - BCE to c 500 CE
World history - c 500 to C 1500
World history - c 1500 to c 1750
World history - c 1750 to c 1900
World history - from c 1900 to now
First world war
ISBN/Barcode 9780521102186
ClassificationsDewey:940.311
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations 2 Tables, unspecified; 6 Maps

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 11 December 2008
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This work poses a straightforward - yet at the same time perplexing - question about World War I: Why did it happen? Several of the oft-cited causes are reviewed and discussed. The argument of the alliance systems is inadequate, lacking relevance or compelling force. The arguments of mass demands, those focusing on nationalism, militarism and social Darwinism, it is argued, are insufficient, lacking indications of frequency, intensity, and process (how they influenced the various decisions). The work focuses on decision-making, on the choices made by small coteries, in Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia, France, Britain and elsewhere. The decisions made later by leaders in Japan, the Ottoman Empire, Italy, the Balkans, and the United States are also explored. The final chapters review the 'basic causes' once again. An alternative position is advanced, one focused on elites and coteries, their backgrounds and training, and on their unique agendas.

Reviews

Review of the hardback: '[A] fine work ... Each of the chapters in this work examines how a particular country came to the decision to go to war, and will thus make welcome teaching vehicles for students and lecturers alike.' History Today Review of the hardback: 'Goldman's excellent book ... provides a clearly argued analysis both of the key role that women played in Soviet industrialisation and of the tensions between the different actors involved in that project - ordinary workers, managers, Party and trade union officials, and women activists.' The Economic History Review Review of the hardback: 'This is a fascinating book whose coherence and focus, together with helpful introductions and conclusions by the editors, offers comparative conclusions about the major and minor powers' motivations for joining the war.' War in History