The Crimes of England

"The Crimes of England" by G. K. Chesterton is a series of essays that looks closely at England's mistakes during the First World War era. Writing in 1916, Chesterton uses a mix of funny and serious writing to point out the political and moral problems he saw in his country. He talks about England's history with Germany, the bad effects of imperialism (when one country takes over others), and unfairness within English society. The book kicks off with a letter to a Professor Whirlwind, where Chesterton cleverly picks apart the weak arguments Germany made to justify the war. By looking back at times where England made bad choices, especially in dealing with Germany, Chesterton wants readers to really think about England's values and how they play out during a time of worldwide fighting.