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The Long Fuse: An Interpretation of the Origins of World War I
In analyzing the causes of World War I without concern for the question of guilt, the author places emphasis on two central facts: first, that when statesmen and peoples took actions they knew might lead to war, they were not envisaging the catastrophe that the war became but rather a quick and limited war; and, second, that among the many conflicts that might have led to...more
Paperback, 284 pages
Published
May 15th 1997
by Waveland Press
(first published June 1965)
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In analyzing the causes of World War I without concern for the question of guilt, the author places emphasis on two central facts: first, that when statesmen and peoples took actions they knew might lead to war, they were not envisaging the catastrophe that the war became but rather a quick and limited war; and, second, that among the many conflicts that might have led to war, the one that did was the threat to the integrity of Austria-Hungary posed by Serbia and Serb nationalism.
The best short summary of the origins of World War 1 that I have read. Excellent tracing of the myriad of unfortunate circumstances and bad decisions that unleashed a conflict that no force could stop.
This is the best book on the origins of WWI - and that includes The Guns of August which is the second best.
Good. But it just got so tedious by the last few chapters!
Jul 08, 2007
Mark
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
folks interested in maco-political reasons for WWI
A thoroughly researched investigation into the chain of events and the geo-political rational that lead Germany, France, Russia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Turkey, and the United Kingdom into the Great War. Although this book was written after the "Guns of August" it is very telling that President Kennedy studied the causes of the Great War to help navigate the complexities of the Cold War. A good solid introduction for all interested in the topic.
Rather interesting. A bit long and involved, yes, and a chorse to get through in just three days, but I don't consider it a waste. I know it's been terribly influential, and I think the analysis is just spot-on. If you've got to read it for a class, don't waste time moaning. This is a fine thing to educate yourself with.
Contains the funniest sentence I've ever read in a scholarly work: "Theodore Roosevelt spoke for a whole generation of men in many countries who found a mystical link between national glory, mental health, and deep sea navigation." Explains all when read in concert with Robert K. Massie's "Castles of Steel."
So far, it feels like a history text but given the fact that it was on a paperbackswap list, I will persevere for a few more days.
Apr 14, 2013
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