The Failure to Prevent World War I

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Hall Gardner delivers a tour de force in his latest geo-political book. Gardner meticulously uncovers the political ambiguities and diplomatic jockeying for Continental hegemonic dominance through 45 years of evolution and collapse of the European Balance of Power system. This comprehensive study explores this transitional period from its apogee in 1870 under Germany's masterful statesman Otto von Bismarck to the eroding impacts of German diplomatic miscalculations, Franco-Russian military intrigues since 1894 and the diplomatico-military Franco-Russo-British Entente since 1903-07, which finally cornered Germany's hegemony and Triple Alliance.' Marco Rimanelli, College of Europe - Bruges, Belgium and Saint Leo University, Florida, USA 'Gardner's careful untangling of the Great Powers' century-long diplomatic chess game shows how accidental the Triple Alliance-Triple Entente disjunction actually was. Of especial interest is how close Britain and Germany came to becoming allies on several occasions prior to 1907, even as Berlin embarked on the naval arms race. As fascinating as any alternate history narrative, Gardner's work should debunk many of the shibboleths of Fritz Fischer's "German aggression" thesis.' John Eipper, President, World Association of International Studies (WAIS) '... absolutely fascinating and highly informative ... No doubt the research is both deep and intensive. I would highly recommend the book to all who have a grasp of history and its lengthy influence to our current age. I will purchase the book and urge many in my World War I Historical Association (of which I am president) to do so as well.' Sal Compagno, President of the World War I Historical Association 'Hall Gardner's book on the origins of the First World War is in many ways quite unique.' - Journal of Intelligence History, 2017