In "The Proud Tower," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the social and political atmosphere of the world before World War I. She highlights how various political factions maintained an appearance of civility while concealing deep-rooted animosities. This facade of courtesy was often employed to mask conflict and dissent, allowing political actors to navigate a complex landscape without revealing their true intentions.

Tuchman's observations point to a critical dynamic of the era, where external appearances took precedence over genuine communication, resulting in a tense undercurrent beneath polite exchanges. This concealment of animosity not only reflected the political strategies of the time but also foreshadowed the breaking point that would lead to the outbreak of war, demonstrating the fragile nature of diplomacy and trust among nations.