In 1750-1900 countries were going through periods of rapid industrialization because of the industrial revolution. this industrialization brought on mass production of weaponry and goods which lead countries to participate in an arms race against one another to see who has the superior weapons, machinery, and resources. this constant competition echoed out culturally and socially too, hence the origin of nationalism.
Living to tell the tale in this content means he may have been the one killed and he won't have the opportunity to tell people what happened and how he survived.
Explanation:
He wasn't dead or being the one killed so he is alive to tell people his experience.
