The First World War

Do you agree with Keegan’s opening statement that the conflict was “tragic and unnecessary” (3)? One can hardly dispute the first term, but many other historians regard it as all but unavoidable. Does Keegan give sufficient evidence for his contention that things could have gone a different way?

Many historians criticize von Moltke’s decision to transfer divisions to the Eastern Front, thereby weakening the right flank that was seen as critical to inflicting defeat upon the French. Do you agree with Keegan’s opinion that the Schlieffen Plan was unworkable under any circumstances, or do you see ways in which the Germans could have won the victory they envisioned?

At what moments during the July Crisis was it most possible to avert a continental war? Whom do you hold primarily responsible for the escalation?