ABSTRACT
It is a paradox that when Britain went to war in September 1939, it was, as in 1914, a result of her own ultimatum. For not only was the issue that prompted it on the other side of Europe, where Britain had few interests, but Britain was in a state of military unreadiness, pacifist sentiment was strong, and the government was in the hands of men determined to prevent the country from being drawn into other people’s conflicts. “Never again” was the feeling at all levels of society in 1918; and yet, here again, when the memories of that time were scarcely faded, the call to total war went out.
