ABSTRACT
At the beginning of the war, miscalculation on the part of the Allies was not at all so astonishing. Why did not the Allies revise their views after both the weakness of Russia and the character of the war had revealed themselves with more than sufficient clearness? This question is an imperative one. But there is only one answer: The Allies were blind because they would not see; they were afraid to face the truth. On occasion a strong and unexpected blow surprised and shocked the unprepared public mind, but the Press easily explained away any unpleasant truth and restored confidence. The policy of shirking the truth was bound to lead to disaster, Russians and Allies alike, have paid a terrible price for it. Had the Allies at that time only been less zealous in looking for treason and more ready to learn the truth, they might have seen that Russia's situation was critical and that a breakdown was inevitable.
