A history that traces the transition from war to peace across Europe after World War I. It follows the movement of armies over the northern plains, their collapse, their demobilization, and the effect this had on the material life of people. The book examines these dramatic events from the perspective of five capitals: Berlin, Paris, London, Moscow and Washington.;Dallas argues that the start of peace is more complex and fascinating than the start of war, for it sets the habits and builds the patterns of life for generations to come. This text weaves politics, ideas, social life, fears, aspirations and harsh realities into a reconstruction of life experienced at a great turning-point of history.