If the European Civil War is to end with France and Italy abusing their momentary victorious power to destroy Germany and Austria-Hungary now prostrate, they invite their own destruction also, being so deeply and inextricably intertwined with their victims by hidden psychic and economic bonds. (my emphasis)

John Maynard Keynes. The Economic Consequences of the Peace (Kindle Locations 58-60). This written in 1919.

Until I read this I had never considered the possibility that the first world war could be described as a ‘civil war’. Keynes said it was because of the European common heritage. It’s a fascinating insight and an excellent book.