The Rest Is HistoryDec 14, 2020

9. Causes of the First World War

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 9. Causes of the First World War on The Rest Is History.

Notable books mentioned: The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clarke, The Invasion of 1910 by William Le Quex, When William Came by Sarky, The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers

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Mentioned at 8:43

The Sleepwalkers

Christopher Clarke

The host mentions 'The Sleepwalkers' to highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of the causes of the First World War. Christopher Clarke's…

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Mentioned at 12:55

The Invasion of 1910

William Le Quex

The host mentions 'The Invasion of 1910' to illustrate how public sentiment shifted towards Germany as a threat in the lead-up to World War I. This…

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Mentioned at 18:18

When William Came

Sarky

The host mentions 'When William Came' to illustrate the potential consequences of Germany's naval expansion and its implications for Britain. The b…

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Episode summary, books & quotes

9. Causes of the First World War mentions The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clarke, The Invasion of 1910 by William Le Quex, When William Came by Sarky, and The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

The Sleepwalkers The Invasion of 1910 When William Came The Riddle of the Sands

Episode summary

Whose fault was it? Does the question even make sense? Are wars always somebody's "fault"? Was it really the first global war? And should Britain have fought, or stayed out?

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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 9. Causes of the First World War on The Rest Is History.

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The conversation centers on British invasion literature.
A second recurring theme is causes of the First World.
Referenced books include The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clarke and The Invasion of 1910 by William Le Quex.
The strongest audience signal points to Historians and students of history and Historians and readers interested in World War I narratives.

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Which books are mentioned in 9. Causes of the First World War?

The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clarke, The Invasion of 1910 by William Le Quex, and When William Came by Sarky are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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British invasion literature(1)causes of the First World(1)Colonial powers and warfare(1)First World War historiography(1)Irish home rule and war(1)Literature's reflection on war(1)naval power and alliances(1)

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Deep Dive(4)Passing Reference(3)

Audience signals

Historians and students of historyHistorians and readers interested in World War I narrativesReaders interested in historical fiction and military strategy.History enthusiasts and readers interested in the intersection of literature and political history.Readers interested in historical literature and colonial studiesHistorians and students of military history

Books Mentioned

The Sleepwalkers

Christopher Clarke

Best for Historians and students of historyOften cited around causes of the First World

“Christopher Clarke, in his brilliant book, The Sleepwalkers, says that, that even he, who seems to have read everything on the subject, that actually it's impossible, because so many, so much has been written about it.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: causes of the First World

For: Historians and students of history

Key quote: “Christopher Clarke, in his brilliant book, The Sleepwalkers, says that, that even he, who seems to have read everything on the subject, that actually it's impossible, because so many, so much has been written about it, that no one person could ever read it all.”

The host mentions 'The Sleepwalkers' to highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of the causes of the First World War. Christopher Clarke's book is referenced as a comprehensive exploration of the topic, emphasizing the diverse interpretations and debates surrounding it.

ASIN: 0061146668

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The Invasion of 1910

William Le Quex

Best for Historians and readers interested in World War I narrativesOften cited around British invasion literature

“His most famous one is called The Invasion of 1910, which was commissioned by the Daily Mail. And he, the Germans went through town after town, and they were specifically designed to be towns with very high Daily Mail circulation.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: British invasion literature

For: Historians and readers interested in World War I narratives

Key quote: “His most famous one is called The Invasion of 1910, which was commissioned by the Daily Mail.”

The host mentions 'The Invasion of 1910' to illustrate how public sentiment shifted towards Germany as a threat in the lead-up to World War I. This book serves as an example of the fears and narratives that were prevalent in British society at the time.

ASIN: B076B318P5

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When William Came

Sarky

Best for Readers interested in historical fiction and military strategy.Often cited around naval power and alliances

“The mention of Sarky's novel, When William Came, relates to the Germans launching a naval attack and occupying Britain, highlighting the fears surrounding naval power.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: naval power and alliances

For: Readers interested in historical fiction and military strategy.

Key quote: “I remember reading Sarky's novel, When William Came.”

The host mentions 'When William Came' to illustrate the potential consequences of Germany's naval expansion and its implications for Britain. The book serves as a fictional exploration of a scenario where Germany successfully occupies Britain, highlighting the fears surrounding naval power at the time.

ASIN: B0083ZVU5I

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The Riddle of the Sands

Erskine Childers

Best for History enthusiasts and readers interested in the intersection of literature and political history.Often cited around Irish home rule and war

“The Riddle of the Sands is referenced as a classic book about German spies and their plotting to invade Britain, linking to the historical context of the discussion.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Irish home rule and war

For: History enthusiasts and readers interested in the intersection of literature and political history.

Key quote: “He writes the classic book about German spies and about the Germans plotting to invade Britain.”

The host mentions 'The Riddle of the Sands' to illustrate the connection between literature and historical events, particularly regarding the fears of invasion that were prevalent in Britain before World War I. The author, Erskine Childers, not only wrote about these themes but also became involved in the political turmoil of his time, linking the literary and historical narratives.

ASIN: 1953649912

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War of the Worlds

H.G. Wells

Best for Readers interested in historical literature and colonial studiesOften cited around Colonial powers and warfare

“One of the great novels about the First World War is actually written in the late 19th century, which is H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. It portrays an immensely superior power incinerating London.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Colonial powers and warfare

For: Readers interested in historical literature and colonial studies

Key quote: “it's a kind of portrayal of an immensely superior power incinerating London.”

The host mentions 'War of the Worlds' to illustrate the parallels between colonial violence and the devastation of World War I. H.G. Wells' portrayal of Martians incinerating London serves as a metaphor for the impact of imperialism on colonized peoples.

ASIN: B0GL4W8S77

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Gary Sheffield's biography of General Haig

Gary Sheffield

Best for Historians and students of military historyOften cited around First World War historiography

“I mentioned Gary Sheffield's biography of General Haig. Michael Gove clearly went back home and read it.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: First World War historiography

For: Historians and students of military history

Key quote: “I mentioned Gary Sheffield's biography of General Haig.”

The host mentions Gary Sheffield's biography of General Haig in the context of discussing the historiography of the First World War. This reference highlights the influence of Sheffield's work on contemporary debates about the war's character and necessity.

ASIN: B087CLXQK6

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Oh, What a Lovely War

Joan Littlewood

Best for Students and enthusiasts of war literatureOften cited around Literature's reflection on war

“It's this great anti-war play at the end of the 1960s by Joan Littlewood and her theatre workshop.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Literature's reflection on war

For: Students and enthusiasts of war literature

Key quote: “It's this great anti-war play at the end of the 1960s by Joan Littlewood and her theatre workshop.”

The host discusses the impact of literature on perceptions of World War One, specifically mentioning 'Oh, What a Lovely War' as a significant anti-war play. They highlight an anecdote about veterans reacting positively to the play, which contrasts with its intended ironic message.

ASIN: B00MUJDIKI

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