The Secret Anglo-German Alliance Plan 1914: The Tyrrell Mission

In 1914, the British and German Empires engaged in the most destructive war in human history at that point. Yet there was nothing inevitable about the conflict that consumed both powers. Much is often made of the antagonism between London and Berlin in the lead up to the July Crisis, with events such as the Naval Arms Race supposedly showing a clear progression towards war. Lesser known however, is the period of detente between the two nations from 1912-1914. This era of friendly relations coincided with the end of the arms race, and the resurgence of Russian power. Hoping to capitalise on the easing of these tensions, Sir William Tyrrell, Private Secretary to Sir Edward Grey, planned to see the German foreign minister in the September of that year, to cement the new relationship. As is well known, the Great War intervened and for ever ended this brief opportunity for reconciliation. This video aims to be a short documentary looking at the motives for the Tyrrell mission in 1914, and what both parties hoped to achieve. Sources: T.G. Otte, DÉTENTE 1914 : SIR WILLIAM TYRRELL’ S SECRET MISSION TO GERMANY: (The fascinating article that inspired this video. If you have access through a university or other means, it is well worth a read). Robert K. Massie, Dreadnought: (The best introduction to the period, though a popular history that falls into the trap this video talks about, of viewing the Naval Arms Race as a key factor in the war). Christopher Clark, The Sleepwalkers: (The best overall analysis of the period I’ve read, though I disagree with the ultimate thesis on war guilt). T.G. Otte, Statesman of Europe: (A biography of Edward Grey that goes a bit more in depth on his and Tyrrell’s thinking in 1914). #britishempire, #germanempire, #ww1