Investigating key moments of 1914, eminent World War I historian Jean-Jacques Becker analyzes how these turning points led the European powers into the Great War. Studying the personalities and strategies of the top political and military figures across Europe, Becker explains the historical context behind their decisions, as well as the far-reaching diplomatic ramifications.

From a January dinner party in Paris between Poincaré and the German ambassador to Jaurès’s July assassination to the mass mobilization of troops in August, Becker argues that by the end of 1914, such a “culture de guerre” had been built up that the ensuing war would be a matter of defending one’s honor and country – a war to be fought by the masses, rather than a matter to be discussed by ministers.

Synthesizing rich scholarly material with impressive clarity, The Year 1914 is an excellent reference not only for experts in the field, but students and amateur historians as well.