The Guns of August

France’s prime objective is to enter the war with England as an ally. To do so, it must not attack Germany unless and until Germany attacks France. However, France also has an agreement with Russia that says France will attack Germany if Germany attacks Russia, so France’s position sits precariously: “Pressed by the Russians to declare themselves, and by Joffre to mobilize, yet held to a standstill by the need to prove to England that France would act only in self-defense, the French government found calm not easy” (88). In the hours leading up to the war, Premier Viviani holds out hope for a peaceful solution, while General Joseph Joffre, commander in chief of the French army, demands mobilization begin. When a French socialist is shot in the street, the Cabinet fears civil strife. In the meantime, Russian and German ambassadors appear again and again, both asking what France’s decision will be.

In London, the British government is in a similar state. There is also fear of civil strife in Ireland. Pro-agreement and pro-peace factions threaten to divide the government, so England, like France, must wait for Germany to invade Belgium. The French ambassador believes England has betrayed France.