Lawyer’s Reviews > The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 > Status Update

Clark begins his history in the Balkans. This is an excellent perspective on the road to the Great War. An interesting review of Serbian-Croatian history still relevant to today.

The crisis following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife intensifies. Austria sends Serbia an ultimatum that the Serbs will not accept. France and Russia send an ultimatum to Austria to avoid action against Belgrade. The collision nears.

So who is at fault? Diplomats forge agreements without government authority. Government inspired newspaper articles are planted to manage or gauge public opinion. A growing attitude across the great powers suggests that war is inevitable.

Trouble in the Balkans grows. Russian agents seek to build a Balkan League against Austria and Turkey. A history that requires patience and close reading.

Clark begins his history in the Balkans. This is an excellent perspective on the road to the Great War. An interesting review of Serbian-Croatian history still relevant to today.

I'm just beginning Clark's work as a companion read to MacMillan's "The War That Ended Peace." This is my next selection for group "Around WWI," formed in observance of the Centenary of the War that did not end all wars.