by Adam White

Created on: December 15, 2007   Last Updated: December 16, 2007

In August 1914 Europe was once again plunged into war, into the largest conflict it had endured since the Napoleonic wars a century before. From the beginning, all five major European powers were in battle with each other; Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire as the Central powers, with France, Great Britain and Russia as the entente. The causes of the war were many, and it is important to look at the actions of the great powers during the previous decades, especially the role of Britain; arguably Britain possessed the most power out of all the European powers at this point in history, and so its position was unique in its importance. The question is raised whether or not Britain was actually required to intervene into the European conflict, or whether there was a realistic alternative to war in 1914. In order to fully explore this idea, one must substantiate Britain's interests and concerns at that particular moment in time, so as to understand its actions and to ask whether or not they were convincing enough reason to declare war on Germany and enter the war. It is also necessary to assess both the importance of the reasons Britain entered the war in both the long and short term so as to understand whether or not war was necessary for Britain, as well as questioning the reality of any alternatives Britain had.

The background of Britain's situation in 1914 must be established. One of Britain's chief concerns regarded the balance of power within Europe. This was of utmost importance to Britain's well-being for several reasons. Firstly, the security of the Low Countries was of pivotal strategic importance to Britain (as it had been for many years) as they provided a buffer between mainland Europe and the southern coast of England and the channel. Regarding this single point alone, Britain's entry into the war could have been considered necessary as Britain's very shores were directly threatened by Germany's invasion of Belgium. The balance of power was therefore considered essential as any tip in the balance could potentially harm British interests, whether commercial or security related. At the turn of the twentieth century Britain was rather concerned over her general position as she was very isolated on the international stage. France felt antagonised over Salisbury's involvement in Egypt and the Eastern powers had been isolated by Gladstone. Whilst isolation did little real harm, Grey was concerned over Britain's position and wished for Britain to be

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