The focus will be mostly on social and political aspects rather than strictly military. A series of issues and questions will be discussed, e.g.: why did the war start? and why did so many people support it initially and expect it to end by Christmas? Why did it last so long and cause so much carnage? (1 in 27 Frenchmen were killed, affecting almost every family in France); why did America join in? and finally, did WW I inevitably lead to WW II? Much literature is available on this subject, e.g.: The First World War, John Keegan, Random House, 1999; The Pity of War: explaining World War I, Niall Ferguson, Basic Books 2000.

Participants will be expected to prepare a 20- to 25-minute presentation within the scope of the study group. Any personal family memories of the war will be encouraged.

Moderators: Dennis Creamer

To register by mail or in person: Pay for your membership ($100) and any lectures ($7 each) with a single cheque payable to McGill University. Cash is not accepted. To register online: You have the option to use Internet banking. You can set up McGill University as a payee with your bank. You may also register for a lecture at the door (the fee is $10) on the day of the lecture. We recommend that you contact the office beforehand to check if space is available. Lectures are non-refundable. Full details: http://www.mcgill.ca/conted/milr