What World War I Was All About: History Week on The Megyn Kelly Show | Ep. 458

In this book, Mahan examines the impact of naval power on historical events from the end of the 17th century to the American Revolutionary War. He argues that control of the sea has been a crucial factor in determining the prosperity and security of nations. Mahan discusses various factors that contribute to sea power, including geography, population, government policies, and the interconnectedness of sea commerce, naval policy, and military strategy. The book is considered a seminal work in naval strategy and has had a profound influence on naval thought and policy worldwide.

In 'Stalin's War', Sean McMeekin presents a groundbreaking reassessment of World War II by shifting the focus from Adolf Hitler to Joseph Stalin. McMeekin argues that Stalin was the central figure in the conflict, working to ensure that the war would leave his enemies exhausted and ripe for revolution. The book reveals how Soviet Communism was rescued by the self-defeating strategic moves of the US and Britain, particularly through Lend-Lease aid, which provided Stalin's war machine with substantial American matériel. This support enabled the Soviet Union to conquer much of Eurasia, from Berlin to Beijing, and set the stage for the Cold War. McMeekin's research draws on previously classified Soviet archives and challenges the traditional view of World War II as a simple struggle between good and evil.

In *July 1914: Countdown to War*, Sean McMeekin presents a gripping narrative of how a small group of statesmen manipulated the aftermath of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination to trigger a long-awaited European conflict. McMeekin challenges traditional views by highlighting the roles of Russia and France in ensuring the inevitability of war. The book provides a detailed analysis of diplomatic maneuvers and decisions that led Europe into the Great War.

The Ottoman Endgame by Sean McMeekin provides a comprehensive narrative of the Ottoman Empire's decade-long struggle for survival, from Italy's invasion of Tripoli in 1911 to the establishment of Turkish independence in 1923. The book explores the political intrigue, military strategies, and key figures that shaped the dissolution of the empire and the rise of the modern Middle East.