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. 

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Sir Hew Strachan Acknowledgements List of Tables List of Illustrations Author’s Note: On Words Introduction Chapter 1: Oil and the Great Game Chapter 2: Petroleum and Pipeline Politics Chapter 3: The Last Crusade in the Middle East Chapter 4: The Black Blood of Victory Chapter 5: The Deployment of Dunsterforce Chapter 6: Basra to Baghdad to Baku Chapter 7: The Battle for Baku Chapter 8: Peace and Petroleum Chapter 9: Oil and the New Great Game Conclusion Epilogue Appendix: Petroleum Situation in the British Empire, Admiral Sir Edmond J.W. Slade, 29 July 1918.  Bibliography Endnotes Index

About the Author :
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.

Review :
‘Exceptionally and impressively well written, The First World Oil War is highly recommended for both academia and non-specialist general readers.’ - John Taylor (Midwest Book Review, December 2016) "Timothy C. Winegard looks at how, since the First World War, the oil industry has become a catalyst for both war and diplomacy in The First World Oil War." (Quill and Quire) ‘This is an important contribution to First world War history and is recommended for interested readers as well as undergraduate and graduate audiences.’ - Corbin Williamson (Canadian Military History vol 27:01:2018)