Arnold Toynbee

Professor Toynbee's specific narrative begins with the landing of Greek troops at Smyrna in May, 1919. His account is very full and detailed, and is based largely upon personal observation. Toynbee's principal conclusion is that the effect of Western diplomacy and of Western ideas, particularly the conception of nationality, upon the East has been disturbing. It was no less so because the West had never fully intended nor realized the consequences....

Published in 1917, this volume draws on contemporary published reports and first-hand accounts from both German and Belgian sources to present a damning account of German atrocities conducted against the civilian population of Belgium in the first three months of the war.