The Last Gasp of Peace: The Christmas Truce of 1914 and the Modern Profession of Arms

The Christmas Truce of 1914 emerged spontaneously on the Western Front after months of intense fighting during World War I. German and British soldiers initiated the peace by singing carols, which led to them meeting in No-Man's Land on Christmas Day. During this unofficial ceasefire, troops exchanged gifts, held joint burial services, and played football matches. The truce was short-lived, as senior military command on both sides disapproved and ordered a resumption of hostilities. The event is presented as a valuable lesson for the modern military profession on the human aspects of warfare.