The World War and What was Behind It

By: Bénézet, Louis

is a historical account written in the early 20th century, duringthetumultuousperiodsurroundingWorldWarI.Thebook aims to elucidate the complex geopolitical and historical factors that led to the outbreak of the Great War, particularly focusing on the intricate rela tionships amongvariousEuropean nationalitiesandtheconsequencesofar bitrary political boundaries that have shaped modern Europe. The opening of the book presents the author's reasoning for writing, inspired by a series of talks given to a diverse audience in 1914 that highlighted the public's de sire to understand the war'sunderlyingcausesinsimpleterms. Itarguesthat many Americans have little comprehension of European dynamics, includ ing the complicated tapestry of races and languages that contribute to on going conflicts. B n zet emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical and social factors, including the arbitrary political boundaries im posed on distinct nationalities, which have fueled tensions over centuries and led to the catastrophic events of the world war. The chapter sets the stage for an exploration of Europe's historical landscape, suggesting that a deeper understanding could be essential to fostering peace and preventing future conflicts.

T The callfromEurope.-Friendagainstfriend.-Why?-Deathanddevastation.- Noprivatequarrel.-Orderedbygovernment.-Whatmakesgovernment?- The influence of the past.-Four causes of war. Among the bricklayers at work on a building which was being erected in a great American city during the summer of 1914 were two men who had not yet become citizens of the United States. Born abroad, they still owed allegiance, one to the Emperor of Austria, the other to the Czar of Russia. Meeting in a new country, and using a new language which gave them a chance to understand each other, they had become well acquainted. They were members of the same laborunion, andhadworkedsidebysideonsev eral different jobs. In the course of time, a firm friendship had sprung up between them. Suddenly, on the same day, each was notified to call at the office of the agent of his government in the city. Next morning the Russian came to his boss to explain that he must quit work, that he had been called home to fight for the "Little Father" of the Russians.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8451141773
• ISBN13: 9788451141770
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Medina Books
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"