The Outbreak of the First World War

'An excellent introduction to the debate surrounding the outbreak of the First World War. It includes an excellent bibliography and uses up-to-date material. Also best used with a narrative account of events. I will recommend this to students.' - Dr Arram Taylor, University of Northumbria

This book examines why, in 1914, a Balkan conflict escalated into a general European war. It focuses on the decision-making of each Power during the July-August crisis, and analyses the role of domestic politics, economics, cultural factors, militarism, imperialism, and the international political system.This book examines why, in 1914, a Balkan conflict escalated into a general European war. It focuses on the decision-making of each Power during the July-August crisis, and analyses the role of domestic politics, economics, cultural factors, militarism, imperialism, and the international political system. Attention is given to source material and to historiography, notably the controversy surrounding the work of Fritz Fischer. There is an extensive annotated bibliography