The Lights were Ready to go Out all over Europe

To fully understand both the causes of the Great War and what was lost, I strongly recommend that you read two works by historian Barbara Tuchman. "The Proud Tower" paints a vivid picture of the Victorian-Edwardian World of the early 20th Century. A world of hope and promise, that also held the seeds of its own destruction. "The Guns of August" is a frightening story of how plans upon plans failed and lead the world into the horrors of the Great War. If I could, I would make this book manditory reading for every world leader. Its warning is clear: beware over estimating your own power and brilliance and at your peril underestimate those of your opponents.