The Origins of the First World War (New Approaches to European History, Series Number 43) - Softcover

Mulligan, William

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521713943 ISBN 13: 9780521713948

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Providing a new interpretation of the origins of the First World War, this textbook synthesizes recent scholarship and introduces the major historiographical and political debates surrounding the outbreak of the war. William Mulligan argues that the war was a far from inevitable outcome of international politics in the early twentieth century and suggests instead that there were powerful forces operating in favour of the maintenance of peace. His fresh perspective on the prewar international system takes account of new approaches to the study of international politics since the end of the Cold War and the acceleration of globalization. Thematic chapters examine key issues, including the military, public opinion, economics, diplomacy and geopolitics, and analyze relations between the great powers, the role of smaller states, the disintegrating empires and the July crisis. This compelling account will significantly revise our understanding of diplomacy, political culture and economic history from 1870 to 1914.

About this title

Review:

'A new book is casting doubt on the view that Germany and Austria-Hungary were the chief culprits for the start of the First World War.' BBC History Magazine

'Excellent book ... teems with compelling insights and arresting arguments.' Australian Literary Review

'One must congratulate the author for this excellent work.' Anatol Schmied-Kowarzik, Habsburg reviews (h-net.org/~habsweb)

'This is a cogent, finely presented reinterpretation of the origins of the Great War drawing on a large amount of recent scholarship.' Stand To! The Journal of the Western Front Association

Book Description:

A new interpretation of the origins of World War I that synthesises recent scholarship and introduces the major historiographical and political debates surrounding the outbreak of the war. It examines key issues, providing a clear account of relations between the great powers, disintegrating empires, and the role of smaller states.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521713943
• ISBN 13: 9780521713948
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 266