Introduction; 1. War of endurance; 2. Why men fought: combat motivation in the trenches; 3. Self-deception and survival: mental coping strategies; 4. Junior leadership: command, cohesion and combat motivation; 5. Morale and military endurance; 6. The German collapse in 1918: strike, mutiny or an ordered surrender?; Conclusion; Appendix 1. Walter Ludwig's study of Württemberg soldiers' coping strategies; Appendix 2. Psychiatric casualties in the German and British armies; Appendix 3. Military ranks and status in the German and British armies.
A comparative history of how German and British soldiers endured the horror of the First World War.
Alexander Watson is a Research Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge.
Review of the hardback: 'Alexander Watson's Enduring the Great War
is certainly a must-read for all students of World War I, as well
as those who write about it. Ably written and nicely illustrated,
this study boasts an impressive depth of research in fifteen
archives, repositories, and collections in Britain and Germany. …
[It] belongs on the shelf of any scholar who aspires to be current
on the literature of twentieth-century Europe.' History: Reviews of
New Books
Review of the hardback: 'A superbly researched monograph on a
difficult subject … It is impossible to do justice to such an
impressive study in a short review. As an instrument for further
research on the subject, it is without parallel: the nine pages
listing the archival sources used provide an ideal springboard for
any subsequent scholar interested in exploring the field further …
while the copious bibliogrpahy of up-to-date primary and secondary
publications will be a great help for anyone teaching a course on
the First World War. … all university libraries will want to
acquire it - as well as all departments of history and departments
of British, German, and war studies.' H-Net Reviews
Review of the hardback: 'The analysis here is fresh and well
argued: the conclusions are stimulating and will cause many to
re-examine long held understandings.' Contemporary Review
Review of the hardback: 'In six closely argued and well documented
chapters, Watson analyses soldiers motivations for joining and
fighting, survival and coping strategies, junior office leadership,
moral and endurance and, finally, the causes of German collapse in
1918.' Stand To!
Review of the hardback: 'This is an extremely good book, which
makes a significant contribution to the history of the First World
War and to the wider study of combat effectiveness. Alexander
Watson has analysed a wide range of primary sources in an original
manner: the result is a stimulating work that will become required
reading. … [His] ability to incorporate the information he has
gathered in a readable volume is truly impressive. … This book
blends military, social, cultural, and psychological history with
panache. … It is to be hoped that it will be both example and
provocation for further, similarly brilliant work, which will test
its arguments and approach on other fronts and other nations.' Dr.
Dan Todman, War in History
Review of the hardback: 'With its impressive use of archival
evidence, its mastery of the relevant secondary literature, and its
scrupulously fair-minded treatment of the German army, this book is
well worth reading for anyone who seeks a glimpse inside the minds
of the men, both British and German, who fought the Great War.' Dr
Jesse Kauffman, H-Net
Review of the hardback: '… an exciting comparative study.' The
Times Literary Supplement
'Alexander Watson has produced a work that reflects his tremendous
scholarship.' Open History
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