The Cult of the Offensive and the Origins of World War I

One trivial explanation for World War I was that Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. But might there be a more relevant underlying cause?

Takeaway Points

1. Leaders believed in the effectiveness of offensive weapons and tactics on the eve of World War I.
2. Even though everyone preferred peace to war, no one was willing to wait for the other one to attack first.
3. The perceived first-strike advantages led to war.
4. You can read the original article here.