The First World War created the modern world. A conflict of unprecedented ferocity, it abruptly ended the relative peace and prosperity of the Victorian era, unleashing such demons of the twentieth century as mechanized warfare and mass death.
Probing the mystery of how a civilization at the height of its achievement could have propelled itself into such a ruinous conflict, Keegan takes us behind the scenes of the negotiations among Europe’s crowned heads (all of them related to one another by blood) and ministers, and their doomed efforts to defuse the crisis. He reveals how, by an astonishing failure of diplomacy and communication, a bilateral dispute grew to engulf an entire continent.
The Second World War, when it came in 1939, was unquestionably the outcome of the First, and in large measure its continuation. Its circumstances – the dissatisfaction of the German-speaking peoples with their standing among other nations – were the same, and so were its immediate causes, a dispute between a German-speaking ruler and a Slav neighbour.
John Keegan’s The First World War offers a comprehensive examination of the Great War, providing a detailed account of the political, military, and human dimensions of this catastrophic conflict. Keegan delves into the origins of the war, unraveling the diplomatic failures that allowed a localized dispute to escalate into a continent-wide conflagration.
The book’s strength lies in Keegan’s ability to convey the brutality and scale of the conflict. He vividly describes the major battles, such as Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli, shedding light on the strategies and technologies employed, as well as the role of geography in shaping the outcomes. Furthermore, Keegan humanizes the narrative by delving into the thoughts and motivations of key figures, from heads of state to anonymous soldiers caught up in the horrors of war.
However, The First World War is not without its flaws. The level of detail can be overwhelming, making it challenging for readers to stay engaged during sections where names and dates are rattled off. Additionally, the lack of detailed maps makes it difficult to visualize the locations and movements of troops, necessitating extra research on the reader’s part.
Moreover, Keegan’s writing style can be convoluted. His sentences often run long, and paragraphs span multiple pages, creating a disjointed reading experience.
Overall, The First World War is a valiant effort to capture the complexities of this pivotal moment in history. While its meticulous research and comprehensive analysis make it a standout resource, the book’s excessive detail and occasionally cumbersome writing style may deter some readers.