CHAPTER I. A WAR FOR INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM

A Conflict that was Inevitable--The Flower of Manhood on the Fields of France--Germany’s Defiance to the World--Heroic Belgium--Four Autocratic Nations against Twenty-four Committed to the Principles of Liberty--America’s Titanic Effort--Four Million Men Under Arms, Two Million Overseas--France the Martyr Nation--The British Empire’s Tremendous Share in the Victory--A River of Blood Watering the Desert of Autocracy 1

The War Storm Breaks--Trade and Commerce Paralyzed--Homeward Rush of Travelers--Stock Markets Closed--The Tide of Desolation Following in the Wake of War 21