"When the Great War of 1914-1918 came to a close, the reaction of the belligerent countries ranged from hope and joy to despair and anxiety, from a sense of release to anger, or bewilderment. In France and the British Empire, for example, the mood of triumph was tempered for many by an awareness of losses in dead and disabled or of unfinished business. Among those American soldiers who missed the fighting, there were those who felt disappointment. Social fissures coloured Belgian responses even in the hour of victory. In Germany, there was relief, but also disbelief and bitterness in defeat. The Slav populations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire eagerly greeted the moment of their liberation. The Japanese viewed the coming of peace with detachment. This volume, written by historical scholars from all over the world, draws on their specialist expertise and from original letters, diaries, public records and newspapers, to chart and analyse reactions in particular countries."--BOOK JACKET.