The War that will End War

Name: The War that will End War
Author: H.G. Wells

This novel explores the concept of a global conflict that would bring about a new world order and lasting peace. The story follows a group of intellectuals who devise a plan to spark a war between major powers, with the intention of exhausting their resources and will to fight, ultimately leading to a negotiated peace treaty. The narrative is presented as a series of lectures by a fictional character, which serves as a framing device for the main plot. The novel critiques the idea that war can be used as a means to achieve lasting peace, instead suggesting that it would lead to further conflict and instability. Throughout the book, Wells examines the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to the outbreak of war, as well as the ways in which individuals and societies respond to conflict. The novel also explores themes of imperialism, nationalism, and the role of science and technology in shaping human society. Ultimately, the novel presents a bleak vision of the consequences of war, suggesting that it would lead to widespread destruction, loss of life, and a fundamental transformation of human society.

By H.G. Wells · First published 1914 · Genre: Non-fiction, Political commentary, Historical analysis · 11 chapters · 24,848 words

First lines

The cause of a war and the object of a war are not necessarily the same. The cause of this war was the invasion of Luxemburg and Belgium. We declared war because we were bound by treaty to declare war. We have been pledged to protect the integrity of Belgium since the kingdom of Belgium has existed. If the Germans had not broken the guarantees they shared with us to respect the neutrality of these little States we should certainly not be at war at the present time. The fortified eastern frontier of France could have been held against any attack without any help from us. We had no obligations and no interests there. We were pledged to France simply to protect her from a naval attack by sea, but the Germans had already given us an undertaking not to make such an attack. It was our Belgian treaty and the sudden outrage on Luxemburg that precipitated us into this conflict. No Power in the world would have respected our Flag or accepted our national word again if we had not fought.

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The War that will End War is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1914 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: H.G. Wells
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Non-fiction, Political commentary, Historical analysis, Philosophical, Social critique
Length: 24,848 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 214 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Non-fiction — The book is a collection of essays discussing the causes and implications of World War I.
Political commentary — It provides a critical analysis of the political landscape and decisions leading to the war.
Historical analysis — The work examines historical events and their impact on the war's outbreak and progression.
Philosophical — The essays explore philosophical questions about war and peace.