Examines studies of Fritz Fischer's works (1961 and 1969) concerning Germany's responsibility for World War I and the influence of this work upon later interpretations. Presents an integrated interpretation of the causes of the war based upon recent research findings. (RKM)

The assumption that European dominion was uninterrupted is an error of perspective. Europe did have its eras of world leadership and world dominion. But in-between were longer periods when other peoples in other parts of the earth exercised skills and organized collective effort far more successfully than the Europeans. (RM)