By far the most destructive conflict in history at the time of its 1918 conclusion, World War I remains a poorly understood event for many of us. Making use of maps, timelines, and quotations, this informative, accessibly-written look at the war details the complex system of rivalries and alliances that led to a worldwide eruption of violence. In addition to assessing the war's long-term impact, Erik Sass also identifies the important figures, recounts what everyday life was like during wartime, and provides an overview of the inventions and momentous events that changed combat forever.