Ebook: The Politics of Diplomacy: Britain and France in the Balkans in the First World War

Britain’s conduct during the First World War was based upon international coalitions, particularly her partnership with France. This drew Britain into war since French defeat would fatally upset the European balance of power. The allies’ relationship was often stormy, but Britain’s primary goal was its preservation. Ironically, it was an operation which had little effect on the outcome of the war that posed the greatest threat–the †Salonica campaign,‡ showing the allies’ conduct at its worst. Here the Anglo-French forces achieved little, but the diversion seriously weakened the armies on the Western Front. The author draws on much previously unopened archive material which shows the campaign as central to the war-time alliance. The issues revealed far transcend the importance of the Balkan campaign itself.