In a compact narrative, this book explores the First World War from a genuinely global perspective. The author brings to life individual decisions and experiences as well as environmental and technological factors such as food, geography, manpower, and weapons as he argues that the war profoundly changed the ways in which people imagined the landscape around them and thought about technology and the environment. From publisher's description.

Introduction. Environment, technology, and the origins of war : empires at high tide and low tide -- The German question -- Planning for war -- The Naval arms race -- Crisis of 1914. Optimism, 1914-1916 : war in Western Europe, 1914-1915 -- War in Eastern and Southern Europe, 1914-1915 -- War in Africa, 1914-1916 -- War at sea, 1914-1916 -- War in the Middle East, 1914-1916. Intensification, 1916-1917 : big offensives of 1916 -- Arts of war -- War at sea, 1916-1917 -- Total war -- Widening of the war -- Domestic politics in wartime -- Western front in 1917 -- Africa and the Middle East, 1916-1918 -- Wilson's plan for peace. Conclusions: 1918 and beyond -- Western front in 1918 -- Impact of war -- Peace settlements -- Environment, technology, and change -- Sources on the First World War.