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Source 1a - Declaration of war, 1914

Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914. The Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith, issued this statement in November 1914.

Transcript

‘We shall never sheathe the sword which we have not lightly drawn until Belgium recovers…, until France is adequately secured against the menace of aggression, until the rights of the smaller nationalities of Europe are placed upon an assailable foundation and until the military domination of Prussia is wholly and finally destroyed.’

NAS: GD40/17/67/1/5

  
 

Activities

Study the extract from Asquith’s speech from August 1914 and answer the following questions:

1. In your own words, which four key issues does the Prime Minister list as grounds for declaring war on Germany?

2. Can you demonstrate his resolve in terms of his use of language? Quote two examples to support your case.

3. In your opinion, does Asquith succeed in appealing to the nation’s patriotism and sense of duty or not? Give reasons for your answer.