The quote "The scene is France. The theater is the world" from Barbara W. Tuchman's book, "The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914," suggests that the events occurring in France are reflective of larger global dynamics. Tuchman highlights how France, as a pivotal nation in this era, serves as a stage where significant political and social movements unfold, influencing the course of history leading up to the First World War.

This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of national and international affairs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tuchman’s work illustrates how the cultural, political, and military developments in France were emblematic of broader trends affecting the entire world, setting the stage for the conflicts and changes that would follow. It invites reflection on the impact of local actions on global events.