BOOK LAUNCHES

by Rational Ecologist Mon Aug 18, 2014 09:39

The truth is always more complex and nuanced than some people would want us o believe, and that is very much true in the case of the 1914-18 war. I have read extensively on the topic and definitely come down on the side of all parties sharing the blame. Balfour's comments betray a certain attitude; however, there is no point in attributing too much weight to his words.
The origins of the war are too complex to reduce to Britain's warmongering. It is my belief that the conditions for war had origimated with Wilhelm 2 getting rid of Bismarck and the colonial competition that developed in the late 19th century, combined with the decline of the Ottoman empire; the stresses in Austria/Hungary; the rise of pan-Serbian nationalism, the naval race between Britain and Germany, the triple entente(Russia, Britain, France), the commitment to protect Belgium; the fear of a powerful Russia......................... I could go on.
Simple answers serve a simple mentality. Britain has blood on its hand; however, it is in very good company.

by Stasia Mon Aug 04, 2014 20:30

Balfour:
“We are probably fools not to find a reason for declaring war on Germany before she builds too many ships and takes away our trade.”
White:
“You are a very high-minded man in private life. How can you possibly contemplate anything so politically immoral as provoking a war against a harmless nation which has as good a right to a navy as you have? If you wish to compete with German trade, work harder.”
Balfour:
“That would mean lowering our standard of living. Perhaps it would be simpler for us to have a war.”
White:
“I am shocked that you of all men should enunciate such principles.”
Balfour:
“Is it a question of right or wrong? Maybe it is just a question of keeping our supremacy.”

by John Kelly Sun Aug 03, 2014 22:26

I was reading this but it got mislaid. I have ordered another but cannot recall seeing a list of sources.

There is an extract in it from a book written circa 1930 re Arthur Balfour's comments in 1909 but no index of sources.

If I am right in this is it not a serious deficit in the work?

Can anyone please clarify?

Regards,

John Kelly.