In "The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the mindset of the ruling classes of the time. They operated under a framework that combined a sense of duty, their ancestral legacy, and established practices. This suggests that their governance was not merely a function of power or authority but is deeply intertwined with their perceived moral obligation to lead.

Tuchman emphasizes that these leaders saw their rule as a rightful responsibility, guided by traditions that shaped their identities. This perspective reflects the complexities of governance in that era, illustrating how deeply rooted beliefs influenced political structures and societal norms, setting the stage for the tumultuous events that would follow.