1873 The World War and American Isolation 1914-1917, by Ernest R. May (read 1 Nov 1984) This is a 1966 book which does a really superlative job studying our relations with Germany and Britain during the years leading up to April 6, 1917. I really got a different slant on the time from what I got from Arthur Link's works on Wilson. This book tells much of the fight in Germany, with Chancellor Bethmann trying to avoid unrestricted submarine warfare and losing his fight in January 1917. Reading this book led me to feel that our course was right--that is, that Wilson's course was right. As May's final paragraph says: "The struggle for peace ended in war. Reviewing its history, one has a sense that it could not have ended otherwise. Bethmann, Grey, and even Wilson were continually pitted against men and of less wisdom and compassion. The sufferings and frenzies of endless war inevitably strengthened Lloyd George and Carson, Tirpitz, Bassermann, and Ludendorf. There was no way out. Triumph for the immoderates was only a matter of time. Grey nevertheless saw his hope fulfilled. America and Britain did not become enemies. Bethmann and Wilson kept the peace for more than two years. Despite its tragic ending, the struggle was heroic." A very good book, which I am glad I read. ( )