The British Entry Into the War

What made Britain enter the First World War?

When Germany invaded Belgium on 3rd August, 1914 as part of the Schlieffen Plan, Britain gave Germany an ultimatum to leave. Germany ignored it and Britain declared war.

When did Britain join the First World War?

Great Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August, 1914.

Why did Britain join the First World War?

There were 3 main reasons for Britain joining the war:

• ❖ Britain had promised to defend Belgium in the 1839 Treaty of London. Kaiser Wilhelm II called it a 'scrap of paper' and did not believe Britain would honour it.
• ❖ Britain could not risk Germany gaining control of ports on the English Channel. This would threaten Britain's overseas trade and empire.
• ❖ If Germany won the war, it would dominate Europe and become unbeatable. This would also threaten Britain's empire.