Chapter Five, The Center of Events, 1910-1915 Summary and Analysis

Churchill will turn from domestic politics to military affairs after serving briefly as Home Secretary. Germany has unwisely decided to become the dominant military state in Continental Europe and to challenge Britain for dominance on the high seas starting in 1900. In 1911 Churchill becomes First Lord of the Admiralty, determined to stop the German rise to Naval Power. Before he has opposed British naval expansion but now he fights hard for increased military spending and the building of new Queen Elizabeth class battleships.

Churchill has to fight for spending against Lloyd George who wants to spend more on schools and welfare. The political tensions increase. On August 4th, 1914, Britain is obliged by treaty to defend Belgium and so war against The Germans, Austro-Hungarians and Ottomans begins in earnest. He then...