Edward VII was often known as the ‘Uncle of Europe’ due to his many connections with other royal families. When he died in 1910 he was succeeded by his son George V - but it can be argued that it was the First World War that marked the real break with the Edwardian era. Rather than defusing tensions between them in the early 20th century, defensive alliances between the major European powers intensified nationalistic feeling and encouraged a build-up of military strength, culminating in the outbreak of war in 1914. In analysing these tensions, this lecture will look in particular at A.J.P. Taylor’s argument that ‘the people of Europe leapt willingly into war’, and ask how well prepared Britain was for the conflict when it came.
Course aim
This lecture will consider the defensive alliances between the major European powers in the early 20th century, the build-up of military strength prior to the outbreak of war in 1914, and how well prepared Britain was for the conflict when it came.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain the defensive alliances contracted between the major European powers in the early 20th century.
- Decide how far you agree with A.J.P. Taylor's argument that ‘the people of Europe leapt willingly into war’ in 1914.
- Develop your skills of critical analysis of historical evidence.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
Edwardian Britain-Willingly into war?–The Rise of Militarism (Lecture Hour)
