World War I Historiography

Flashcards summarizing the main arguments of different historians regarding the causes and consequences of World War I, based on lecture notes.

Sleepwalkers

Book by Christopher Clark arguing that World War I resulted from a collective failure of leadership and diplomacy among Europe's major powers, who 'sleepwalked' into a global conflict.

Mistakes and Myths: Versailles Treaty

Book by Sally Marks arguing that the Versailles Treaty was not inherently unjust or the direct cause of World War II, but the real failure was the inability to deal with Germany's defeat.

Civilians at War

Book by Tammy Proctor arguing that World War I transformed civilians into active participants in warfare, altering their roles and societal understanding of civilian life.

Pity of War

Book by Niall Ferguson challenging conventional interpretations of World War I, arguing it was neither inevitable nor entirely caused by German aggression, but British decisions prolonged it.

Ring of Steel

Book by Alexander Watson arguing Germany and Austria-Hungary were not uniquely aggressive, but reactive empires fighting a war they believed was defensive for survival.