While we're rehashing early 20th century history, I may as well lay some blame at the door of King Edward VII, the man who took over the throne after Queen Victoria.
Edward liked to go to Paris, drink, smoke cigars and have inappropriate relationships with actresses. Because he liked Paris, as King, he set up a peace treaty with France, without the express wishes of the British Government. This was the Entente Cordiale, which set us up on the side of the French and Russians. We did not need this. We had no interest in doing this. And we paid dearly for this in the First World War.
Thanks a lot, Eddie.
Regards, Ivan
That’s an...interesting...take on affairs.