Super Short Summary

The First World War by John Keegan examines the military aspects of World War I, focusing on its origins, major battles, and the strategies employed by the involved nations. Keegan attributes the war's outbreak to rigid military plans that overshadowed diplomatic efforts and led to a cascade of mobilizations after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The conflict saw catastrophic battles such as Verdun, the Somme, and Tannenberg, trench warfare causing immense suffering, and ultimately led to the collapse of four empires. The book includes graphic descriptions of violence, suffering, death by suicide, colonialism, and racism.