"In a book that is at once a major contribution to modern European history and a cautionary tale for today, Isabel V. Hull argues that the routines and practices of the Imperial German Army, unchecked by effective civilian institutions, increasingly sought the absolute destruction of its enemies as the only guarantee of the nation's security."--Jacket.

Waterberg -- Pursuit and annihilation -- Death by imprisonment -- National politics and military culture -- Lessons of 1870-71 : institutions and law -- Standard practices -- Doctrines of fear and force -- Stopping the process -- Waging war, 1914-1916 : risk, extremes, and limits -- Civilians as objects of military necessity -- The Armenian genocide -- Repetition and self-destruction -- Conclusions and implications.