Germany's Fighting Machine Her Army, her Navy, her Air-ships and Why She Arrayed Them Against the Allied Powers of Europe

"Germany's Fighting Machine" by Ernest F. Henderson is a book offering a close look at Germany's military buildup and the forces that led to World War I. Henderson’s historical account examines Germany's army, navy, and air forces, seeking to understand why the nation was so heavily armed against the Allied Powers of Europe. The narrative opens with Henderson's first-hand observations in Germany right before the war, capturing the quick change from respect for German progress to the stark awareness of a coming war. He looks at the historical events that pushed Europe toward conflict, dissecting news and German public opinion about Russia’s military moves and the alliance between France and Russia. Henderson creates a clear picture of the rising tension and political game, hinting at the war while setting up a study of Germany’s military power.