Persia in World War I and Its Conquest by Great Britain

Main Themes and Topics

Persia in World War I and Its Conquest by Great Britain by Mohammad Gholi Majd delves into the geopolitical landscape of Persia during the tumultuous period of 1914-1918. Utilizing a wealth of information from U.S. State Department archives, Persian sources, and the memoirs of British military officers, Majd offers an intricate outline of the military, diplomatic, and political events that occurred in Persia during World War I. Central to the narrative is the theme of Persia's struggle to assert its sovereignty amidst the global conflict and its eventual fate as a loser in both war and peace. Majd further explores the aftermath of the war, highlighting Persia's failure to secure recourse at the Versailles Peace Conference, positioning Persia as a significant, yet overlooked, casualty of the Great War.

Writing Style and Tone

Majd's writing is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, reflective of his deep engagement with both primary and secondary sources. The tone is scholarly and authoritative, aiming to provide an insightful and nuanced perspective on Persia's role and experiences during World War I. The narrative is constructed with a clear historical lens, offering a comprehensive understanding of the period's complex diplomatic and political dynamics. Majd successfully balances the factual recounting of events with thoughtful analysis, making the book both informative and thought-provoking for readers interested in this historical context.

Brief Summary

In Persia in World War I and Its Conquest by Great Britain, Majd documents the significant yet often underrepresented story of Persia during World War I. The book charts the series of military and diplomatic events that unfolded in Persia from 1914 to 1918, providing a thorough overview of how the country was impacted by and interacted within the broader context of the world war. Majd paints a vivid picture of the challenges Persia faced, particularly focusing on its inability to effectively advocate for itself at the Versailles Peace Conference. Through the use of diverse sources, the book sheds light on the complex interplay of international forces that led to the country's compromised state post-WWI.