How the race for colonies and control of other peoples loaded the structural causes of war.

Pan-Slav, Pan-German, and Revenge movements that turned pride and grievance into policy.

The Moroccan crises, Agadir, and Balkan wars that filled Europe’s powder keg.

Triple Alliance versus Triple Entente — why a local quarrel could no longer stay local.

Franz Ferdinand’s assassination and Austria’s declaration of war on Serbia.

Italy’s switch, chemical weapons, Lusitania, U.S. entry, Russia’s exit, and the armistice.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points, the five Paris treaties, and the harsh terms imposed on Germany.