Niall Ferguson's book, "The Abyss: World War I and the End of the First Age of Globalization," provides a detailed examination of the chaos and destruction that marked the First World War. One vivid portrayal within the text highlights the extensive vandalism and looting that erupted during this tumultuous period, suggesting that societal norms had collapsed under the pressures of war. Ferguson captures the sense of anarchy that prevailed, illustrating how the conflict unleashed a wave of violence and disorder across various regions.

The phrase "there was an orgy of vandalism and looting" encapsulates the widespread lawlessness experienced during the war. Ferguson’s historical narrative emphasizes how the war not only altered geopolitical landscapes but also devastated local cultures and communities. The resulting despair and chaos serve as stark reminders of the war's profound and lasting impact on global civilization, marking the end of an era characterized by relative stability and globalization.