I read this book about a year ago, and since then have often thought of the impact WW I had on the course of history through the 20th century. It always seems to me that most Americans have little understanding of why America entered WW I. This book explores the why's, and it isn't what most people think. As a result of reading this book, I found that many leaders I previously considered heroes were in fact little more than dupes; while others I thought to be ogres, were in fact much more altruistic than it would seem at first glance.A well written, well researched book. If you love history, you will love this book.