War that Ended Peace

The definitive history examines the political, cultural, military and personal forces that shaped Europe on its path to the Great War. It explores how Europe moved from sustained peace to catastrophe in 1914, when millions died and empires and economies were transformed. The narrative spans from the early nineteenth century to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, showing how big political and technological changes, national decisions, and everyday human muddle and weakness together steered Europe toward war. Written by award-winning historian Margaret MacMillan, the book invites readers to rethink how they view this pivotal moment in history.

The work highlights that the war could have been avoided for longer, and it emphasizes the role of small moments of human error in shaping history. It offers a broad, in-depth analysis that combines political strategy with cultural and personal factors to explain Europe’s path to conflict.

Features

• Auteur: Margaret MacMillan
• Scope: political, cultural, military, personal forces
• Timeframe: early nineteenth century to 1914
• Focus: reasons war happened, not just events
• Length: 699 pages, paperback edition