re: #183 Feline Fearless Leader
Robert Massie’s _Dreadnought_ also goes into the lead up to WW1. Concentrates on the naval side of things, but does also cover the series of crises and shifting alliances that were affecting decisions as well.
He also has a sequel, _Castles of Steel_ that covers the WW1 naval war. So you can see what happens to the stuff the UK and Germany spent all that money building.
I think those were both recommended to me here.