"The First World War was the great seminal catastrophe of the twentieth century….the old world, in some respects a good world, in some respects a bad one, but in any case the world we knew, came to an end."- George Kennan
The article "Gentlemans Rifle in the Trenches," shows how World War One changed not only countries but also the fundamental beliefs of individuals. The impact of trench warfare changed aristocratic traditions and brought a new beginning. Traditions such as being privileged by owning an H&H rifle to trying to survive in the trenches. Therefore the aristocrat's image ended, and a more egalitarian era began. The mention of field Marshall Earl Alexander shows how modern warfare and leadership arose because of World War One. Therefore, transformation took place because of the harsh reality of the modern world, where many traditions were replaced.
The outbreak of war in 1914 was a result of a tragic chain of events, no single statesman can be held responsible. – A.J.P. Taylor Responsibility for England entering the war was shared by the cabinet of H.H Asquith, where he was able to influence Grey in the decision-making process. Grey followed the correct process a Foreign Secretary should such as collecting information, building alliances to prevent war, and careful communication and diplomacy. Furthermore, Germany was not interested in diplomatic solutions to prevent war. Grey’s proposal of a Conference of Powers may have worked by bringing countries together to work for a diplomatic solution.
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