ABSTRACT

The Great War is a landmark history that firmly places the First World War in the context of imperialism. Set to overturn conventional accounts of what happened during this, the first truly international conflict, it extends the study of the First World War beyond the confines of Europe and the Western Front.

By recounting the experiences of people from the colonies especially those brought into the war effort either as volunteers or through conscription, John Morrow's magisterial work also unveils the impact of the war in Asia, India and Africa.

From the origins of World War One to its bloody (and largely unknown) aftermath, The Great War is distinguished by its long chronological coverage, first person battle and home front accounts, its pan European and global emphasis and the integration of cultural considerations with political.

chapter 1|36 pages

The Origins of War, 1871–1914

Europe, imperialism, and power rivalries, 1871–1905

chapter 2|36 pages

1914. The “Big Show” opens

chapter 3|51 pages

1915. An Insignificant Year?

chapter 4|55 pages

1916. Total War

chapter 5|59 pages

1917. Climax

chapter 6|48 pages

1918. Denouement

chapter 7|38 pages

The Postwar World

A “peace to end peace”?