The Guns of August

Alsace-Lorraine is a region of what is now northeastern France. Its position on the border between France and Germany has led to a blending of cultures, though the historical population was predominantly German-speaking. Consequently, its status has been a recurring point of friction between France and Germany, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Germany’s annexation of the territory following the Franco-Prussian War was a particular source of national shame and anger in France in the years leading up to World War I. The region’s background thus contributes to Tuchman’s exploration of the theme War Is Caused by Hubris, Not Inequity.

The British Expeditionary Force was the name given to those divisions of the British army stationed in Belgium and France at the outbreak of WWI. Under the command of Sir John French, its function was to help France repel the German invasion. In this, it was partially successful, as France did not ultimately fall to German control. However, Tuchman argues that mistakes and miscommunications, particularly on the part of France, hampered the BEF’s ability to support the French forces, developing the themes of The Courage of Ordinary Soldiers Versus the Military Machine and