This is our last reading? Wow.
Semesters fly by.
The conclusion itself was well done. It was almost like a list at times, checking off the items on their "arguments to be made."
Britain entered the war for defensive purposes ("because she feared a Germany victory in Western Europe would threaten her safety and her empire"). Germany wanted to become a world power. Grey's continued use of the "free hand" policies of the Conservatives to constrain Germany, but keep France and Russia in check.
The war seemed inevitable.
Britain had reached the height of her power, but she still had tons of money in the bank. She was, however, going no where but down, speaking in terms of finance and power.
The options available to Grey were limited. Germany was a threat. Something had to be done. Interesting Question: What other things could Grey have done? What alternate policies could he had implemented?
I think he did the best job that he could have done and that his time was much better spent being foreign secretary than "fishing or birdwatching."
