In 1914 neither France nor England desired war.

France had always cherished the thought of revenge, but, judging from all indications, she had no intention of fighting in 1914; but, on the contrary--as she did fifty years ago--left the decisive moment for entering into war to the future.

The war came quite as a surprise to France.

England, in spite of her anti-German policy, wished to remain neutral and only changed her mind owing to the invasion of Belgium.

In Russia the Tsar did not know what he wanted, and the military party urged unceasingly for war.