World WarI: The Rest of the Story & How It Affects You Today

Uncle Eric #10

by Richard J. Maybury

The explosion of the battleship Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 was the beginning of a chain reaction that continues today. Mr. Maybury presents an idea-based explanation of the First World War. He focuses on the ideas and events that led to World War I, events during the war, and how they led to World War II. Includes the ten deadly ideas that lead to war.

Can be used for courses in World History, U.S. History, International Relations, Economics, Business, Finance, and Government.

This is part one of a two-part series on the world wars. For part two, search for "World War II: The Rest of the Story and How It Affects You Today" also available through Amazon.

To improve the student's learning experience, also purchase the student study guide for "World War I" titled "A Bluestocking Guide: World War I" also available through Amazon.

Table of Contents for "World War I"
Uncle Eric's Model of How the World Works
Author's Disclosure
Cast of Characters
Timeline

1. The 58-Year Persecution
2. The Grim Statistics
3. Is Now the Time to Learn About War?
4. First Ideas, Then Battles
5. Whose Truth?
6. Why We Fight
7. Conquest Creates Weakness Not Strength
8. Typical Garden-Variety Wars
9. Deadly Ideas Lead to War
10. The Pax Romana
11. Fascism
12. What Date Did the World Wars Begin?
13. Franco-Prussian War
14. Ancient German Ambitions
15. Political Power
16. Global Protection
17. Interests
18. Cost Externalization
19. Manifest Destiny
20. The Splendid Little War
21. Guerrilla War
22. Guerrilla War Examples
23. Never Surrender
24. Killing Women
25. Take No Prisoners
26. The White Man's Burden & The Ugly American
27. The Great White Fleet
28. Up Close and Personal
29. The First Casualty of War
30. Stealing Panama
31. Helping Crooks and Tyrants
32. The Usual Suspects
33. Boxer Rebellion and Russo-Japanese War
34. Choosing Up Sides
35. The Morocco Crisis
36. Alliances
37. The Glory of War
38. America's Entry Into World War I
39. The Third Choice Ignored
40. They Will Fight Over Anything
41. The Treaty of Versailles
42. The Sound of Reloading
43. Hitler's Rise
44. U.S. Invades Russia
45. Desperation and the Neutrality Act
46. Summary

Appendix
Quotes About War
Bibliography and Suggested Reading
Suggested Viewing
Glossary
Index

Index of Maps
Map of Europe 1914
Old World New World Map
Europe showing France and Austria-Hungry in 1870
Areas Conquered by European Regimes
Switzerland in the World Wars
Conquests of the Christian European Powers
China's Territory Held by Invaders in 1897
Morocco Crisis Map
Map of the Balkans
Major Mutinies Map

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Economics, Historical, School, War, Education

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Richard Maybury, also known as Uncle Eric, is the publisher of U.S. & World Early Warning Report for Investors. He has written several entry level books on United States economics, law, and history from a libertarian perspective. He writes the books in epistolary form, usually as an uncle writing to his nephew, answering questions.

Maybury was a high school economics teacher. After failing to find a book which would give a clear explanation on his view of economics he wrote one himself. Some of his books include Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career & Financial Security, Higher Law, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? and Whatever Happened to Justice? .

Reviews

[Elizabeth Tuecke · Rating 4 out of 5]

hm, I’m going to have to research some of his statements…they seemed a tad far fetched, and, in some cases, a bit biased.

But besides that, I looooove his logical structure. He really gives you the “why” behind what happened with the WWs, which is refreshing & just…..makes sense. Clear and succinct, a very easy read. 👌

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the WW2 book (it covers much of the same material), but this is a treasure trove of interesting information. I loved the quotes from the founding fathers to stay out of Old World wars. I do wish we followed Switzerland's example. I wonder if it too late to do that. The 10 ideas that lead to war are spot on. The false narrative of the sinking of the Maine is detailed well here (this is well known to be the start of Yellow Journalism, something that flourishes today). The Spanish-American war, the Allied invasion of Russia, the US conquest of the Philippines, and the theft of Panama are all detailed here - and are often given short shrift in school history textbooks. It was also interesting reading this just before really getting into Conrad's "The Heart of Darkness," a critique of imperialism.

[Keturah Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

So nice to read a physical book! And this one was LOVELY.

I love all the quotes from founding fathers. I love how the author wrote the book as letters to a young boy, and how he addressed the ideas behind the war mote than the actual happenings.

I found what he said about the ten deadly ideas that lead to war to be very interesting. And I'm not very interested in learning more of Switzerland's politics and history.

I loved what he said about how USA should cut all connections with the rest of the globe but to trade with them (basically stay out of their wars and affairs). And how he said we had two basic rules we ought to live by: keep your word and don't take what's not yours.

I was amazed that he said we've been in over 14000 wars as a world. And yet humanity only stresses about remembering a small handful of them, and always ready to make more.

If you're anti-war, but all for protection of rights, read this book.

If you think victors often twist the story for their benefit, read this book.

If you want an interesting world war one perspective, read this book.

[Amy de Raaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The first casualty when war comes is truth." (Hiram Johnson, 1917)

This intriguing read explores the causes and eventual effects of WWI on our world, with a close lens on economics and society surrounding the eras before and after the World Wars. Clear and concise data with strong factual evidence and historical details that provide a well-rounded view of the nature of war and what led up to both World Wars, with a precise focus on WWI.

Read this book with my teenage son, and we were both blown away by its didactic explanations and easily expressed data and facts on a difficult topic. Everything the author wrote was logical and we loved his conversational, yet straight forward approach!

[Kellie Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only good thing about this book is that I am done with it.

[Peter Krol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some very helpful insights but was difficult to follow. This book seemed at times to be more about World War II than World War I.

[Olivia Lyndaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best history books I've ever read!!! Full of great information so often overlooked when history is taught, and also written with plenty of sarcasm and humour that tops it off perfectly!

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the declaration of bias, to the 10 factors that lead to war, to the footnotes, recommendations on additional research and a thorough index, there is a lot to like in Richard Maybury's style and this book in particular. After reading my first book in the series, I am a fan and excited to read other titles!

While the 10 factors are compelling, and the Usual Suspects theme particularly insightful, please don't assume I agree with all presented here. The Barbary pirates, Spanish-American War and Philippine occupation, Iraq war and even September 11th are presented too simply. True, the book is geared in format toward younger readers, and Maybury has declared his bias, but leaving out that the pirates were encroaching on international shipping lanes for their victims (as opposed to the victims invading their space), the Philippines were already engaged in a war with Spain and were eventually granted independence without a further war (as opposed to the USA being the primary aggressor with a desire to colonize), that Iraq invaded Kuwait and a coalition of nations opposed them (as opposed to the USA being swung by a single propaganda trick - a trick that I didn't remember though I lived at the time) or that September 11th attacks are a linear blowback against American leadership (as if there were no additional religious or social motivation) is a bit too myopic for an author that claims he wants his readers informed of various dynamics at work in foreign affairs.

I was also downright angry about his comments regarding the USA being dismissed from the UN Council on Human Rights in 2001, the same term that SUDAN was elected!?! (He failed to mention either the plethora of terrorist countries that sat on the council at the time or the questionable composition or the council today.) This incident had more to do with the ridiculous ineptitude of the UN Council on Human Rights to speak with conviction to volumes of human rights offenses worldwide, American hesitation in continuing to primarily fund an organization intent on marginalizing itself, and the repeated unjust censure of Israel, than a retaliation for failures of American leadership.

I also felt, given the topic was World War I, there were too many references to September 11th, each of which is highlighted with reference to the Maybury book in which the attacks are explicitly elucidated. I don't mind the referral and would like to read the additional title, however, these parochial references to a complex historic event close to our time were distracting. They also might be concerning to younger readers who may feel the impact of September 11th more personally than the discussion of World War I. A single, or even a few, references to the carry forward affects of World War I is preferred. It also made me curious as to the date of publication. My edition says "revised 2003". Smacking these single paragraphs about Sept 11th, many with the *same text* and argument seemed like a careless revision rather than original composition.

Nonetheless, I find the perspective challenging. The libertarian position IS closer to what the founders intended and NOT commonly found in the increasingly statist environment of USA and Europe. Incidentally, I agree with Maybury that BOTH liberals and conservatives have a statist philosophy that sees big government salvation as solution without regard to encroachment on individual liberty. I remember reading "The 2,000 year leap forward" and being particularly challenged by the founder's idea of non-intervention in world affairs - Maybury has given tremendous insight into what such a stance would involve. He also illustrates the Swiss model of a domestic fighting force in a way that 'clicked' for me, though his discussion of guerrilla warfare seemed double-minded.

The question is not whether to have your student read this book, but when? A student needs to demonstrate both the ability to handle cause and effect thinking as well as be comfortable with sorting out contrary ideas. When the student has reached that point, this is excellent education, even if he or the teacher, doesn't agree with all that is printed.

[Meredith Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if I agree with all of the author's claims, but this was excellent exposure to ideas and history I hadn't explored before.

[Jeremy Zilkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I read this book is because of my enjoyment of Marbury's book "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?". I appreciate that book and his introduction to economics from the Austrian School of Economics.

The title of this book does give clues to what should be expected within the book. So here are my thoughts and observations:

1) World War I is the most consequential event in the past 200 years and set in motion almost everything that took place in the past 100 years. Sadly this is overlooked since the war itself is often overlooked in comparison to WWII.

2) The causes for WWI are generally agreed upon as those stated by Marbury in this book. Political power, economics, fool-hardy alliances, imperialism, naivete about the evils and horrors of war.

3) Marbury does a good job of highlighting oft-overlooked events that led up to the beginning of WWI and also speaks against much of the propaganda that was taught to increase support for the war and hatred for the Germans during the war. The Germany of WWI was not the same regime that Hitler led in WWII and should not be compared to each other. Germany lost, and like Napoleon who also lost, both were pilloried in the history books by the winners of the wars against them.

These are just three of the correct observations that Marbury makes concerning the war. Yet, I do not agree with the conclusions he derives from his research and disagree with his simplistic answers to very complex and multi-layered questions.

Marbury does state his position and declares that he is not objective in his reasoning which I appreciate. Also his target audience is youth and he writes in this manner. I would recommend that a child have a basic understanding of history, of the war itself, and some of the basic details of WWI before reading his book.

My son who is a great fan of war history is 12 at this time and I am not comfortable letting him read this book with its "contrarian" views. However, in three years when he is 15 I would probably have little problem with him reading this book and at that time, learning to discern for himself as he reads Marbury's account and adds it to his fuller knowledge of WWI.

[Barry Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mr. Maybury's book re: WWI. As we're studying through several major wars as a family schooling project, I picked up his book to try and learn some alternate things from what most of the major history books share. This book did an excellent job at presenting WWI, it's causes, and its repercussions, as a story that begged to be further researched and better understood.

The author is up front and unapologetic about telling you how he approaches the historical information and so I wasn't surprised when his points were very libertarian in nature. This is a pro to me, as many authors will not state their leaning or approach to writing and instead just state all the points they make as though they are facts. Not so with this author. I would have been equally engaged in a text that was written with another political leaning, as my goal in reading books like these is to challenge myself to THINK, form my own opinions, and find resources to dig deeper on topics of interest to me.

I appreciated the author's footnote sources, although several were from his own works. I liked the short "chapters" (letters) and format of the book, which made it very easy to digest. I'm getting ready to start on his book re: WWII, and I hope it is in the same format and style. I have high hopes for this author's other history books as well. If this one is any indication, they'll all do a great job of making me WANT to learn - a high praise indeed.

[Leah Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely an amazing experience for me. I learned about the true meaning behind the Second Amendment and the ideal for protection. There is a difference between a country and a government, I love America, but I don't love my government. Richard Maybury talks about the 10 ideas that lead to war, it was interesting that Alliances was one of them. Global power was another, as well as political power. Often times Uncle Eric would say "what's the purpose of political power if you can't use it on someone." Because of the Bill of Rights, Consitution, and Declaration of Independence, this prevents President from using their power upon us. So they feel the need to use it on someone that is why they feel the desire to fight other countries battles. World War I started with the Barbary Wars because citizens didn't understand that the Bill of Rights ends at the border. You leave the country at your own risk and the Army won't come to rescue you if you need it. I learned that World War I wasn't about good vs. evil as the Hollywood films make it out to be, it was a war of alliances. It also wasn't a World War until the USG got involved. Before it was just another battle of the old world.

[Kamryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down.
UGGGGGGGGGGGGGH THIS BOOK

Ok first of all- this was a very well informing book! I learned a lot and it definitely gave me a new perspective on a lot of things.

But it's the most passive aggressive epistolary novel ever.
In it, 'Uncle Eric' is writing a series of letters to his nephew Chris who asked for information about World War II.
If you're not already seeing the red flags, you're blind.
Eric is like "WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAH" Before we get into that, let me write you this long book about world war I first.
Like dude, this kid's going to have to turn in his assignment so late because all uncle eric wanted to talk about was the stupid government's decisions.
But he clarified that he loved America soooo... *shrug* *side-eye*

So because I need to get to school I'll refrain from further ranting, but be prepared for uncle eric to trash you for not reading his footnotes, and tell you to go watch seven hours worth of films before reading his letters for a better perspective.

IDK, my sister loved this book- maybe it's just me.

Have a blessed day <33

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Clearly explains how WWI started and the complete back story as to how we got into that war. He outlines 10 reasons why governments go to war. All can be broken down to just one word--hubris. It makes me angry to think that so many lost their lives for nothing and to think about the possibility of my children fighting a war for nothing but a government's hubris. We are not defending our lands when we invade others' lands, especially when it is all to stupidly help out our alleged allies. How can humankind be so blind, cruel, and stupid. I love America (and wouldn't want to live anywhere else) and the ideals for which it was founded upon but these books are really opening my eyes as to how much I dislike the USG (United States Government)!

[Niloofar Moharrami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book specially if you need to have a summary of the events. I honestly didn’t read any other thing about world wars so it’s hard to compare. The problem with it is that literaturewise I could find problems in it.it was an easy book to read but many repeated ideas and sentences which actually didn’t do a favor to the book and if I read them once it could make a deeper affect on me rather than seeing them 4 -5 times. I liked the previous book by him, 1000 years wars too. I’m planning to read the WWII by him .

[Cassiejoan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was recommended on a homeschooling podcast I listen to but I didn't think that it was a book targeted at homeschoolers, which in fact, it is. I thought the perspective and information was good...its just delivered in a less than fantastic way. It's an easy read and broken into small chapters (letters) but not very dynamic. Still, I think the content makes it a good book to keep on our radar for when the kids are older. I even would like to look at other titles by Maybury.

[Joel Everett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a general review of the various ideologies that lead to a world war rather than a detailing of the specific instances that led to World War I. That being said, it it is still an interesting book, and the history surrounding the Spanish American War - often neglected if at all mentioned in the public school system here in the States - was quite enlightening if tragic and sad. Good for an alternative perspective to more common narratives surrounding WWI and WWII.

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but is 10th in a series of 11. I am on the last book of the series and have learned a lot from the whole series. I recommend this series to learn more about economics, our laws and history, especially the United States history you don't hear much about. Eye-opening.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybury has an amazing way of taking knowledge you already have, exploring it from a new perspective, and showing you connections that were there all the time but needed to be uncovered. This book is full of looking at old ideas in new ways and gave me much to think about.

[Caleb Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend it enough, along with its companion book, the one about World War Two. Trust me, these are some of the only non-propaganda books about WW1 and WW2. The history books are written by the victors, indeed. The allies were eviler than most people thought, and not entirely innocent.

[Daniel Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The first casualty of war is truth"

[Bone Give A Dog A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Really opened my eyes to the real history that nobody wants to talk about.
The USA isn’t the amazing all good nation people like to talk it up to be.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie read y11...10/24

[Cosette De · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book, he didn't touch on WWI that much though.

[Javonn King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective on WWI and why the US government is involved in so many wars.

[Katie Brohard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a different point of view.

[Addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the writing style, but it was very informative

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definately did not learn any of this in my bricks and mortar school. Thank goodness for home education!

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not always agree with Uncle Eric, but I am awfully grateful that Mr. Maybury has written these books to help me get a more clear picture of history and how it affects me today. I was intrigued by his 10 reasons for war and that was probably my favorite part of the book.
1. The Pax Romana (The belief that we can create the Roman Peace, which never really existed.)
2. Fascism (Unification of everyone under a single government that does whatever is necessary, no limits.)
3. Love of Political Power (War is the most exciting tool of power seekers.)
4. Global Protection (The belief that a government has the duty or right to protect its citizens no matter where they choose to go or what risk they choose to take.)
5. Interests (Do not even try to figure this one out, leaders have gone to war for centuries in the "interest" of their holdings or people, but nobody has ever legally defined interests...)
6. Cost Externalization (Big business using the global protection stance of a government to cover protection costs.)
7. Manifest Destiny (Because we think that God has given us that charge.)
8. The White Man's Burden or Anglo-Saxonism (America knows what is best, we can decide, even for others.)
9. Alliances (Safety in numbers can mean that we have to fight somebody else's war.)
10. The Glory of War (We need heroes, it is a very real reason...)

Intriguing stuff to think about.

[Celestia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential to anyone who wants to understand U.S. and world history. Maybury points out many amazing insights, namely that the United States Government ceased being guided by the principles of the Founding Fathers and became oppressive like the mother country of Britain. This happened when it conquered the Phillippines and Cuba at the end of the Spanish American War. Over 200,000 Filipinos where killed by the USG. What a tragedy! Ever since that war the USG has been forcing itself on other countries in this domino effect that started with the Spanish American War and has us embroiled in the Iraqi war. This eye-opening book gives ten deadly errors why countries go to war, one of which is the longing for Pax Romana, or Roman Peace. It seems like peace to the head of the empire but it is actually a reign of terror and rebellion, because it is based on rule of men, not law. Europe's heritage is a longing for this Pax Romana. Maybury quotes Jefferson as saying that America should stay out of Europe's business, for it is made of countries who are focused on eternal war. America has a different heritage, that of having a government based on a higher law, not man's law, like the countries of Europe. (At least that is our heritage which the USG has departed from. Maybury doesn't go into that in this book but he does in his other book Whatever Happened to Justice?)