By the time the First World War ended in 1918, eight million people had died in what had been perhaps the most apocalyptic episode the world had known. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise and insightful history of the 'Great War', focusing on why it happened, how it was fought, and why it had the consequences it did.

It examines the state of Europe in 1914 and the outbreak of war; the onset of attrition and crisis; the role of the US; the collapse of Russia; and the weakening and eventual surrender of the Central Powers. Looking at the historical controversies surrounding the causes and conduct of war, Michael Howard also describes how peace was ultimately made, and the potent legacy of resentment left to Germany.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

• We started tracking this book on July 12, 2014.
• This book was $6.15 when we started tracking it.
• The price of this book has changed 123 times in the past 3,884 days.
• The current price of this book is $7.41 last checked 5 hours ago.
• This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past year is $3.99.
• The lowest price to date was $2.60 last reached on November 29, 2015.
• This book has been $2.60 one time since we started tracking it.
• The highest price to date was $7.99 last reached on February 18, 2025.
• This book has been $7.99 one time since we started tracking it.

• HistoryMilitaryWorld War I
• France20th Century

• Publication Date: January 25, 2007
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 161 Pages
• File Size: 33 KB