World War I

‘We Saved the World’: WWI and America’s Rise as a Superpower

America’s rise to superpower status began with its 1917 entry into World War I. President Woodrow Wilson had grand visions for the peace that followed, but failed. The battle he started in the US between idealists and realists continues to this day. By Hans Hoyng

Great War Centenary: Britain’s Careful Celebration of WWI

The Great War has long played a significant role in Britain’s historical memory. This year, the country is planning several events to celebrate the 100th anniversary and several new books have already hit the shelves. Jingoism, however, is to be avoided. By Christoph Scheuermann

World War I Centenary: The Symbolic Power of French Victory

The passionate commemoration of World War I is a vital element of France’s contemporary national cohesion. But before a momentous turning point in August 1914, the country looked to be on the brink of defeat. By Romain Leick

The Bosnian Knot: Conflicts Unchanged in Birthplace of WWI 2014

The 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo came in the midst of a bitter power struggle among major European powers in the Balkans. One hundred years and three devastating wars later, peace still eludes the multi-ethnic region. By Walter Mayr

Stolen Triumph: Russia Revisits Pivotal Role in World War I

At the beginning of World War I, Russia was a member of the Triple Entente, which went on to win the conflict. By then, however, the Russian czarist empire had vanished and the war was swept under the historical rug. Putin is now bringing it back. By Christian Neef

Disaster Centennial: The Disturbing Relevance of World War I

It has now been 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, but the European catastrophe remains relevant today. As the Continent looks back this year, old wounds could once again be rubbed raw. By Klaus Wiegrefe