Europe's Last Summer

By: David Fromkin

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The early summer of 1914 was the most glorious Europeans could remember. But, behind the scenes, the most destructive war the world had yet known was moving inexorably into being, a war that would continue to resonate into the 21st century.

The question of how the Great War of 1914 began has long vexed historians. In a gripping narrative, Fromkin shows that hostilities were started deliberately and that two wars were waged, one serving as pretext for the other.

Shedding light on such current issues as preventive war and terrorism, Fromkin provides detailed descriptions of the negotiations and incisive portraits of the diplomats, generals, and rulers as he reveals why diplomacy was destined to fail.

©2004 David Fromkin (P)2004 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

fascinating

The author opened my mind to the intricacies and complications that led to WW1. Prior to his explanation, the archduke was assassinated and the world went to war was the explanation. The details were at times hard to follow, but gave an insight into what is the real complexities that accompany politics: no doubt, a blueprint for our times.

Decent Updating of a Century Old Debate

Incorporating newer (mid 2000s) research, Fromkin argues basically that the war occurred because Austria(-Hungary) wanted a war with Serbia, made possible by Germany's famous "blank check" support and the belief that Germany might keep the Russians out of it. The German military leadership, especially Von Moltke, took the opportunity, now guaranteed Austro-Hungarian support, to pursue a long planned war with Russia (and France). Motivated largely by fear of emerging Russian power and an economic (especially taxation) and social system that had reached its peacetime limits, Germany purposely pursued what would become the Great War in spite of the consequences for civilization. This is more than simply an updating of the self-serving 1919 war guilt argument, with Fromkin largely basing his conclusions on newer secondary literature. He deals with Fischer's conclusions in the 1960s without directly taking up the continuity of German war goals in the World Wars, which is a bit unsatisfying, though not his central purpose. While the central focus on Germany and Austria-Hungary, he also spends time on the British and French situations and admits of broader factors like nationalism, industrialism, militarism and domestic affairs in creating the situation in which the war occurred. Relatively little is said of Russia (including any broader war goals or pan-slavism). His treatment of Kaiser Wilhelm II is especially illuminating, presenting him as blustering, unpredictable, and sometimes immature and belligerent (the common view), but also likely to step back from the brink of war, leading his advisors, generals, and handlers to carefully manage him into war. Though not terribly academic in tone or approach (it has 50 or so often short and sometimes redundant chapters), it is well-narrated and recommended as worthwhile reading along with other works about the origins of the war that continues to shape the modern world .

Very entertaining but biased

This is a great reading. Well-written and well read. However, the author is very sure of his opinion, which seems pretty biased, as he not even tries to support with evidence his concept that France, Russia and Great Britain had fight the war because Germany declared war on them.

Unique perspective on WWI's origins

The author outlines the settings leading up to the war. Many of these are understood by students of WWI. The author then describes opportunities each country had to prevent the war and their failings.

Enjoyed the voice of the narrator which is often difficult for historical narratives but this one was very good. Listened to several chapters multiple times.

Difficult for a newcomer to the Great War

I have read a great deal about WWI and found this book to be quite interesting, if occasionally dry. This is not a book for someone who is new to the study of the Great War of 2914-1918. The book seems to be exhaustively researched, and so, will be valuable to the more serious student of the war.

Why did it turn to war

The shooting of a couple of monarchs not really liked is believed to be the spark to war.
But really misinformation spead about the monarch, a youth movement against the establishment, political leaders play games against each other and thier leaders.
The spreading of Socialist, communist. Bolsheist movements around the world, and weak democracy leaders (like Wilson) had impact on events leading to the summer of 1914.

marvelous

Extremely useful , the book with a 100 year perspective ties together a very troubled century

The Great Restart

A must read as to understand what really caused The Great War, and every war since! The great restart started over 100 years ago. Some of this story will send chills down your spine to current events.

my ignorance review

In depth review, of the causes of the 1st world War. Anyone looking to study this subject, should start with this book.

a good read well spoken

Learned a lot and book makes some sense of a lot of events, not an accidental war.