Synopses & Reviews
Taking into account the scholarship of the last 20 years, this new edition rejects recent arguments that Britain went to war out of either weakness, fear of an "invented" German menace, or fears for the Empire. Instead, while placing greater emphasis than before on the role of Russia, Zara S. Steiner and Keith Neilson maintain the view that Britain was forced into the war in order to preserve the European balance of power and Britain's favorable position within it.
Review
"Here at last we have that balanced, learned account which will make it easily the best guide to this complicated and important topic. The structure and layout of the book are admirable; the style is clear and flowing; and the erudition and clarity of argument convincing." --Paul Kennedy,
The Sunday Times"Zara Steiner has the control of sources and the mastery of detail that are taken for granted in Cambridge dons." --The Economist
Zara Steiner's book is a sober, sensible account of how this country became impelled into the First World War. She is a very good historian, with exceptionally balanced judgement. --C.P. Snow, Financial Times
[Steiner's] brilliant exposition provides many ideas to argue over and some to agree with. --A.J.P. Taylor, The Observer
About the Author
Zara S. Steiner is Emeritus Fellow of New Hall, University of Cambridge.
Keith Neilson is Professor of History, Royal Military College of Canada.
Table of Contents
Preface * Acknowledgements * Introduction * The Conservative Watershed * The Diplomatic Response * Britain and Germany: The Myth of Rivalry? * Britain and Russia: The Troubled Partnership * Britain, Germany and France, 1912-14: Flexibility and Constraint * The Balkans, Russia and Germany, 1912-14 * The Domestic Contest: Liberal Politics and Conservative Pressure * The Professional Influence: Diplomats and Officers * The July Crisis * Conclusion * Chronological Table * Bibliography * Notes and References * Index
Preface * Acknowledgements * Introduction * The Conservative Watershed * The Diplomatic Response * Britain and Germany: The Myth of Rivalry? * Britain and Russia: The Troubled Partnership * Britain, Germany and France, 1912-14: Flexibility and Constraint * The Balkans, Russia and Germany, 1912-14 * The Domestic Contest: Liberal Politics and Conservative Pressure * The Professional Influence: Diplomats and Officers * The July Crisis * Conclusion * Chronological Table * Bibliography * Notes and References * Index