Using the work of Terrance Zuber, Sean McMeekin, and Stefan Schmidt as building blocks, this book reassesses the origins of the First World War and offers an explanation as to why this reassessment did not come about earlier. Troy R.E. Paddock argues that historians need to redraw the historiographical map that has charted the origins of the war. His analysis creates a more balanced view of German actions by also noting the actions and inaction of other nations. Recent works about the roles of the five Great Powers involved in the events leading up to the war are considered, and Paddock concludes that Germany does not bear the primary responsibility.

Introduction : the dbate continues -- Great Britain : an entente frame of mind...but nothing in writing -- Austria_Hungary : the Habsburgs and the failed third Balkan war -- Germany : a reappraisal -- Russia : when opportunity knocks -- France : the militarization of foreign policy -- Conclusion.