Why Did Britain Go to War in 1914?

Britain's involvement in the First World War, as well as the latter conflicts, was not a fait accompli. The complexities of international relations and the concept of a balance of power played a significant role in the decisions leading to Britain's entry into World War I.

The Entente Cordial and Discretionary Entry into World War I

The 1904 Entente Cordial with France was a diplomatic agreement but not a military alliance. This meant that Britain's involvement in World War I was discretionary, allowing for strategic considerations to shape its decisions.

Britain's Commitment to Poland and the Anglo-Polish Alliance

Britain's entry into World War II, however, was less a matter of choice. The Anglo-Polish Alliance of 1939 guaranteed Poland's independence and obligated Britain to defend it against aggression. Nazism did not hide its intent to revise the status quo, particularly over the Danzig Corridor. This aligns with Britain's broader commitment to preventing a single power from dominating continental Europe.

The Role of Neutrality and the Invasion of Belgium

Britain was also committed to maintaining the neutrality of Belgium. Treaties before the war secured Belgium's neutrality, but when Germany invaded, Britain warned them to stop and, when refused, declared war. This was a chosen path to prevent a domino effect that could lead to unchecked German power.

The Escalation of Tensions and US Involvement

The balance of power was a complex and often indecisive struggle. The escalating tensions, particularly during the July Crisis, were fueled by a defensive alliance pact. Both sides' involvement in skirmishes heightened the stakes. It wasn't until the intervention of the United States, with the support of major financial institutions like JP Morgan, that the dynamics truly shifted.

The Role of Economic Power and US Involvement

Benjamin Strong, the governor of the United States Federal Reserve, collaborated with the Bank of England. This collaboration ensured that the financial impacts of the war were managed, but also kept Britain and its allies in the conflict. America's involvement significantly shifted the balance of power and tipped the scales in favor of the Allies.

The Decision to Stay in the War

For Britain, staying in the war was not just a matter of honor but also of strategic interests. The idea of mutual protection, where an attack on any one ally would trigger a response from allies, kept the conflict alive. Ultimately, the decision to remain in the war was not just about the immediate necessities of the conflict but also the long-term security of the British Empire.

The End of World War I and Britain's Exit

The war ended in 1918, and so did Britain's active involvement. The decision to leave the war was a strategic reevaluation. Many Germans, including figures like Hitler, may have felt the war was incomplete. The choice of when the war ended was ultimately taken away from them, leading to the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Britain's entry into World War I was a complex interplay of diplomatic, economic, and strategic factors. The immediate decision to declare war was driven by a combination of protecting interests and enforcing the principle of a balance of power. The continued involvement during the war was sustained by the broader strategic goals and the significant economic and political implications of the conflict.