I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. World War One seems as distant to us now as the Thirty Years War, but it set the stage for the 20th century in everything from politics to literature.
Now, John Mosier of Loyola University in New Orleans has turned many accepted beliefs about the war on their head with his new, Pulitzer prize-nominated book, "The Myth Of The Great War." His fascinating re-casting of the conflict is summed up in the subtitle: "How the Germans won the battles, and how the Americans saved the allies."
Mosier argues that the Germans understood the nature of modern warfare, especially the use of artillery; and that British and French tactics never caught up to those of their adversaries, causing their soldiers to pay with their lives.
Most controversially – especially among British historians who have long downplayed the American role – Mosier argues that the two sides were played out when fresh American troops won the day. It's an intriguing book, and any history buff should enjoy it.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont. Next time, more on so-called patient protection.