Barbara W. Tuchman’s "The Proud Tower" explores the complex interplay between ambition and duty in the years leading up to World War I. It delves into how figures of the time were often driven by a sense of responsibility while simultaneously harboring personal aspirations. This duality reveals the motivations behind political and social actions that shaped the era.

The author illustrates how ambition can coexist with a sense of duty, leading individuals and nations to make significant decisions with far-reaching consequences. In this way, Tuchman provides a nuanced understanding of the factors that contributed to the tumultuous landscape of the early 20th century.