The nations at war; the birth of a new era

Preface

A hundred years ago, the last general European war effected the overthrow of a military despotism. Great expectations were then formed of the dawn of a new era; they came to nothing, owing to the blunders or crimes of the victors. To-day a similar conflict is occurring, similar hopes are aroused. Many confidently predict that such hopes will be once more falsified; they despair of the future of the race, and give full rein to their pessimism. But that pessimism is unjustified. In the last century, mankind has made some progress; the democracy in every land has learned something of its power. That power can be used for good, and will be so used, if the many do not despair of themselves. The allies can be forced to remain true to the high ideals which they have professed; their victory may be the dawn of a brighter era. Unless mankind has lived in vain, that dawn is certain. It will be hastened in proportion as optimism prevails over pessimism, in proportion as the many are convinced of their ability to ensure that vi THE NATIONS AT WAR

the progress of mankind shall not be again

interrupted. It is the purpose of this book to

show what are the possibilities of good in the

present war, what will be the characteristics of

that new era to which it will give birth. If it

does something to increase the determination of

the many to eliminate those factors, which in the

past have led to war, it will not have been written

in vain.

L. CECIL JANE.

71 High Street, Oxford, October 19 14.

Social Reform .

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