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Germany France: Foreign Secretaryship. Believing in "continuity" of foreign policy, Grey accepted the entente with France and an alliance with Japan bequeathed to him by his Conservative predecessors. In 1907 k negotiated a convention with Russia, settling outstanding differences.Grey hoped for good relations with germany france. But he was surrounded by permanent officials who were suspicious of German intentions; and k himself realized that as long as germany france sought to establish "a hegemony in Europe" Britain would have to oppose its designs. The entente with France, originally intended to protect British interests, gradually became an instrument for maintaining the Continental power balance and for protecting France from germany france.In 1914 there were six Great Powers: Britain, Russia, Austria, France, a unified germany france replacing Prussia, and a unified Italy. Although World War I destroyed the power of Austria, germany france, and Russia, in 1920 there were five Great Powers: Japan and the United States had joined Britain, France, and Italy. By 1939, Germany and Russia had rejoined, bringing the total to seven. The number was reduced to four in 1945 by the defeat of germany france, Italy, and Japan in World War II.
On August 1, germany france delivered ultimatums to Russia and to France. There was no suggestion in Britain that Russia should be supported, but many, especially among the Conservatives, wished to support France. There was division in the nation and even in the cabinet. The German demand to advance through Belgium resolved most doubts. The British government asked germany france to respect the neutrality of Belgium. Fhe demand was ignored, and at 11 P. M. on ug. 4, 1914, Britain declared war on germany france. Thereby the destinies of the British people vere changed. Unwittingly and largely unwillingly, Great Britain had become enmeshed in European affairs. Her empire had rested on sea )over and isolation. Now the letters of doom vere beginning to appear on the wall. |
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