Origins of the First World War

The Origins of the First World War Book Description In The Origins of the First World War, William Mulligan examines the factors that led to the war from a new perspective. It re-discusses the basic historiographical debates and political dilemmas on the subject in the light of current data. Mulligan challenges one of the most fundamental theses: He rejects the idea that war was an inevitable consequence of international policies in the early twentieth century. On the contrary, it suggests that there are powerful actors striving to maintain peace. Addressing critical issues such as military forces, public opinion, economy, diplomacy and geopolitics as separate chapters, the author offers a multi-faceted narrative. It examines the relations between major actors, the role of small states, disintegrating empires and the July crisis. It takes a clear picture of what was happening in the world between 1870 and 1914. (From the Promotional Bulletin)