The Great War: 1914-1918

Modern Wars in Perspective

by Ian F.W. Beckett

The course of events of the Great War has been told many times, spurred by an endless desire to understand 'the war to end all wars'. However, this book moves beyond military narrative to offer a much fuller analysis of of the conflict's strategic, political, economic, social and cultural impact. Starting with the context and origins of the war, including assasination, misunderstanding and differing national war aims, it then covers the treacherous course of the conflict and its social consequences for both soldiers and civilians, for science and technology, for national politics and for pan-European revolution. The war left a long-term legacy for victors and vanquished alike. It created new frontiers, changed the balance of power and influenced the arts, national memory and political thought. The reach of this acount is global, showing how a conflict among European powers came to involve their colonial empires, and embraced Japan, China, the Ottoman Empire, Latin America and the United States.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War I

856 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Dr. Ian F.W. Beckett is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and retired Professor of Military History at the University of Kent, Canterbury.

Reviews

[Jared Krivo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great comprehensive look at World War One. I had to read this for a college-level World War One class, but I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an overview of the entire war including what was happening on the various homefronts during the war.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

As text books go, it's not that bad.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry thematic textbook.