The legacy of the World Wars of the 20th century remains with us all in so many ways. For the next five years, as each centenary of events, decisions, battles and disasters rolls onwards, there will be research, reflection, remembrance and reinterpretation of the first of these global conflicts that grew in both reach and name from European War to Great War and then World War I. In 2014, considerable attention is being given to the question: Why? This series looks at the context within Europe and the lands of imperial powers to seek some understanding of 'why' a spark became a conflagration, and 'why' it was not over 'by Christmas'.
Topics:
•Imperialism and nationalism
•British Empire
•French Empire
•German unification and colonies
•Tsarist Russia
•Turkey and the Ottoman Empire
•Austria-Hungary and the Balkans
•Spark, Schlieffen and Scrap of Paper
Wednesdays 30 July to 17 September 7.30-9pm
Fee: $75 due by Monday 28 July