Germany invaded the duchy of Luxemburg and demanded free passage for its troops across Belgium to attack France at that country’s most vulnerable point.  King Albert of Belgium refused his consent on the ground that the neutrality of his country had been guaranteed by the powers of Europe, including Germany itself, and appealed for diplomatic help from Great Britain.  That country, which had sought through its foreign secretary, Sir Edward Grey, to preserve the peace of Europe, was now aroused.  August 4, it sent an ultimatum to Germany demanding that the neutrality of Belgium be respected.  As the demand was not complied with, Britain formally declared war against Germany.

Italy at that time was joined with Germany and Austria in what was known as the Triple Alliance.  But Italy recognized the fact that the war was one of aggression and held that it was not bound by its compact to assist its allies.  The sympathies of its people were with the French and British.  Afterwards Italy repudiated entirely its alliance and all obligations to Germany and Austria and entered the war on the side of the allies.  Thus the country of Mazzini, of Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel, ranged itself on the side of emancipation and human rights.

The refusal of Italy to enter a war of conquest was the first event to set the balance of the world seriously thinking of the meaning of the war.  If Italy refused to join its old allies, it meant that Italy was too honorable to assist their purposes; Italy knew the character of its associates.  When it finally repudiated them altogether and joined the war on the other side, it was a terrific indictment of the Germanic powers, for Italy had much more to gain in a material way from its old alliance.  It simply showed the world that spirit was above materialism; that emancipation was in the air and that the lamp of civilization might be dimmed but could not be darkened by the forces of evil.

CHAPTER III.

Militarism and autocracy doomed.

Germany’s machine—­her scientific endeavor to Mold soldiers—­influence
on thought and lives of the people—­militarism in the home—­the status
of woman—­false theories and false gods—­the system ordained to
perish—­war’s shocks—­America inclines to neutrality—­German and French
treatment of neutrals contrasted—­experiences of Americans abroad and
enroute home—­statue of liberty takes on new beauty—­blood of negro and
white to flow.