The Treaty of the Living: A History of the First Global War

By Luiz Felipe de Alencastro

A sweeping and ambitious history of the First World War, told from the perspective of the millions of people who lived through it

In this groundbreaking work, Luiz Felipe de Alencastro argues that the First World War was not simply a conflict between nations, but a global war that affected people of all races, religions, and nationalities. Drawing on a vast array of sources, Alencastro tells the story of the war from the bottom up, giving voice to the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and colonial subjects who were caught up in the conflict.

The Treaty of the Living is a powerful and moving account of one of the most transformative events in human history. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the origins of the modern world.

Praise for The Treaty of the Living

"A magisterial work of history that will change the way we think about the First World War." —The New York Times

"A brilliant and compassionate account of the global impact of the First World War." —The Wall Street Journal

"A powerful and moving reminder of the human cost of war." —The Washington Post

A Global War

The First World War was not simply a conflict between European powers. It was a global war that affected people of all races, religions, and nationalities. The war was fought in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It involved soldiers from dozens of countries, and it claimed the lives of millions of people.

The Treaty of the Living tells the story of the war from the perspective of the people who lived through it. Alencastro draws on a vast array of sources, including diaries, letters, memoirs, and oral histories, to give voice to the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and colonial subjects who were caught up in the conflict.

The Human Cost of War

The First World War was one of the most destructive conflicts in human history. Millions of people were killed, and millions more were wounded. The war also caused widespread devastation, destroying cities, towns, and villages.

The Treaty of the Living bears witness to the human cost of war. Alencastro tells the stories of soldiers who were killed in battle, civilians who were caught in the crossfire, and colonial subjects who were forced to fight for their colonizers. He also describes the psychological and emotional impact of the war on those who survived.

The Legacy of the War

The First World War had a profound impact on the world. It led to the collapse of empires, the rise of new nation-states, and the emergence of a new global order. The war also left a lasting legacy of trauma and violence.

The Treaty of the Living is a powerful and moving reminder of the human cost of war. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the origins of the modern world.