The War to End All WarsBy: Jack Batten A brilliant, concise history of The War to End All Wars. In the decade leading up to 1914, Europe had never known such prosperity. But the times were not good enough for the continents most powerful nations: Germany wanted a navy that matched Englands; Russia wanted an army as large and as disciplined as Germanys; the Austro Hungarian Empire wanted more respect; and England felt compelled to teach the others about civilized relations.