When Diplomacy Fails Podcast
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#50: 1 August 1914 II - 'There Must Be Some Misunderstanding.'
🕑 Added 2025-03-10 13:00:20 +0000 UTC[PATRONS]
In the final hours of peace, the German government was led to believe that a miracle had occurred. Incredibly, Britain had affirmed its intention not only to remain neutral, but to guarantee the neutrality of France as well. Where had such a monumental offer come from? Was it legitimate, or the product of a 'misunderstanding' between the German ambassador and the British government? In this episode, we examine this infamous chapter in the crisis historiography. Had the British Foreign Secretary's vagueness caught up with him, or was Lichnowsky, the German ambassador, to blame? Had they got their wires crossed, or was something more fascinating going on under the surface, in a city where petitioners bombarded London with requests for support, and more information? Let's find out, as we try to understand this misunderstanding.
Comments
Steve Verdoliva
The fact that Germany didn't have a real Plan B is incredible.
