EDITOR’S PREFACE
Division of Economics and History was held in Paris, which
limited itself to planning a series of short preliminary surveys of
special fields. Since, however, the purely preliminary character
of such studies was further emphasized by the fact that they were
directed more especially towards those problems which were then
fronting Europe as questions of urgency, it was considered best
not to treat them as part of the general survey but rather as of
contemporary value in the period of war settlement. It was clear
that not only could no general programme be laid down a prior:
by this conference as a whole, but that a new and more highly
specialized research organization than that already existing would
be needed to undertake the Economic and Social History of the
War, one based more upon national grounds in the first instance
and less upon purely international co-operation. Until the facts
of national history could be ascertained, it would be impossible
to proceed with comparative analysis; and the different national
histories were themselves of almost baffling intricacy and variety.
Consequently the former European Committee of Research was
dissolved, and in its place it was decided to erect an Editorial
Board in each of the larger countries and to nominate special
editors in the smaller ones, who should concentrate, for the
present at least, upon their own economic and social war history.
The nomination of these boards by the General Editor was the
first step taken in every country where the work has begun. And
if any justification was needed for the plan of the Endowment,
it at once may be found in the lists of those, distinguished in
scholarship or in public affairs, who have accepted the responsi-
bility of editorship. This responsibility is by no means light,
involving, as it does, the adaptation of the general editorial plan
to the varying demands of national circumstances or methods of
work ; and the measure of success attained is due to the generous
and earnest co-operation of those in charge in each country.
Once the editorial organization was established there could
be little doubt as to the first step which should be taken in each
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