The First World Oil War

Oil is the source of wealth and economic opportunity. Oil is also the root source of global conflict, toxicity and economic disparity. When did oil become such a powerful commodity--during, and in the immediate aftermath of, the First World War.

In his groundbreaking book The First World Oil War, Timothy C. Winegard argues that beginning with the First World War, oil became the preeminent commodity to safeguard national security and promote domestic prosperity. For the first time in history, territory was specifically conquered to possess oil fields and resources; vital cogs in the continuation of the industrialized warfare of the Twentieth Century.

This original and pioneering study analyzes the evolution of oil as a catalyst for both war and diplomacy, and connects the events of the First World War to contemporary petroleum geo-politics and international aggression.

Timothy C. Winegard holds a PhD. from the University of Oxford. He served nine years as an officer in the Canadian and British Forces. Dr. Winegard teaches history and political science at Colorado Mesa University.
Sir Hew Strachan FRSE is Professor of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. He was Chichele Professor of the History of War at the University of Oxford from 2002 to 2015.