rational geekery

And to think that that war was triggered off by the assassination of an Arch-Duke! The death of just one known person causing the death of countless anonymous people.

Well, at least that is what we are led to believe, because the "real" causes of that war - the Great War - should be found somewhere else.

Wars are always of an economical nature (?). Perhaps we should change that old French maxim to get at the reasons why wars are declared:

Cherchez la monnaie! Yes, find where the money is!

Too true - an economic war.

I loved Golfer's "lions, led by donkeys" line on Respect.

I caught something on Europe 1 radio a week or two ago, again looking back ninety years.

The offensive on the Somme by the 'anglo-saxons' - British, Australians, New Zealanders - was certainly a turning point for the defence of Verdun. But that was not its objective. The aim was to 'break out' and recreate the war of movement of 1914.

At any rate, that was the French view.

[...] For my essay on The Battle of the Somme, which was fought 90-years-ago today, click here. [...]

Have you read "Diary of a Dead Officer" (1919) - edited by 'CJ' (Cyril Joad) ?

[...] Did the Battle of the Somme inspire J.R.R. Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings? [...]

A very good analysis.. when I complete my analysis of Jutland I will mail it to you, I hope you will find it useful .
The Somme campaign is of significance to me as my grandmothers first husband was killed in it. without the battle she would have never married again, and given birth to my mother,then me... History is important.

Hi Brod.

Why not send me an analysis which I could post on the blog? With your name attached obviously. Always happy for contributions.

Thanks

:) just something minor, but it should be 91 years ago now as we're in 2007 :)

xx

The post was written in 06.