I'd say there's more to it. . Underestimation of the cost of an early 20th C. war. Some glorious charges, you win, get home in time for dinner. . A game theo

I'd say there's more to it. . Underestimation of the cost of an early 20th C. war. Some glorious charges, you win, get home in time for dinner. . A game theory problem in that once you start mobilizing you can't stop. Not starting the war is more dangerous than simply drawing down. . The simple fun (for leadership) and profits in a war. Pushing pieces around a map is an enjoyable endeavor. . Interlocking treaties with single points of failure. etc.