Interesting Keith that you quote that paragraph from the linked article, rather then the one immediately before, which says:

"Peace initiatives during World War I never had much chance of success. Three reasons stand out for why this was so. First, both sides suffered from a profound sense of insecurity. They were trapped in an anarchic international system long characterized by uncertainty, arms races, warfare, and constant intrigue. Both sides tended to assume the worst in their enemies; both trusted in the reduction of their opponents' power, more than anything else, to keep them safe. So long as they could believe that they had a plausible chance to prevail on the battlefield, they would not abandon their quest to achieve that goal."

These attitudes were ingrained in the ruling classes on all sides. They derived particularly from the imperialist mindset of the 19th century, shared by the leaders of all of the major European powers.

So Keith is right to say that peace never had a chance. But our rulers share equally with those of the Central Powers in the blame for this. .