The blackest page in modern history: Events in Armenia in 1915: the facts and the responsibilities

"The Blackest Page in Modern History: Events in Armenia in 1915" by Herbert Adams Gibbons is a historical account published in the early 20th century that explores the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The book brings to light the systematic extermination of nearly a million Armenians under the guise of national security, tracing the events and the political machinations that led to this dark chapter in history. Gibbons aims to document the facts and highlight the responsibilities of both the Ottoman government and its allies during this tragic period. In this detailed narrative, Gibbons recounts the events leading to the mass killings and deportations of Armenians from their homes. It describes the initial recruitment of Armenian men into the Ottoman army, followed by orders from the government to exterminate the Armenian population, justified by unfounded accusations of disloyalty. Gibbons provides firsthand accounts and testimonies collected from various sources, illustrating the brutality of the deportations and the harsh conditions faced by those who were forced on long, treacherous marches. He underscores the complicity of the German government, noting that their inaction during the extermination process facilitated the atrocities. Ultimately, the author argues that the survival of the Armenian people is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the prosperity of the Ottoman Empire itself.