The Two Edwards: How King Edward VII and Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey Fomented the First World War

by Peter Hof

At the turn of the 20th century, British leaders came to a decision to confront and neutralize the German empire. The fateful decision required treaties, agreements, accords, and contracts that could only be made with the prestige and gravitas of a King. Safely ensconced on his royal yacht, HMY Victoria and Albert, protected by a flotilla of British warships and thousands of miles away from troublesome ministers who might remind the King that he was overstepping his constitutional authority, King Edward VII concluded treaties with both members of the anti-German Franco-Russian Alliance. First with France in 1904, then with Russia in 1907, this was the grand achievement, strongly backed by his powerful Foreign Minister, Sir Edward Grey, of King Edward's near decade-long reign, It was this alliance between Britain, France, and Russia—known to history as the Triple Entente—which took the field against the Central Powers in 1914.

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book analyses the influence of Edward Grey and Edward VII in establishing the Triple Entente and completing the so called encirclement of Germany prior to World War I. It shows clearly why England, Russia and France were united in the goal of waging war on Germany though for very different reasons. The best part for me were the last chapter and the epilogue which were centered around the person of Edward Grey. A must read for anyone who does not accept the sole war guilt of Germany for the outbreak of the Great War.

[Douglas Wills · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointing

An interesting premise but ultimately disappointing book. The extensive use of quotations — and long quotations — make it a very disjointed read and, ultimately, unenjoyable.