The Plans of War: The General Staff and British Military Strategy c. 1900-1916: Reedition 2016

This book’s contribution to the discussion on the origin’s of the First World War is a pioneering study of both the British General Staff and the evolution of military strategy in the period immediately prior to the war. It describes the development of the General Staff, Britain’s agency for strategic planning, and goes on to give an account of its role in devising strategy. Problems are examined as they arose at grass-roots level in the War Office and progressed upward towards the Cabinet. The complex cross-currents involving the Admiralty, Foreign Office, Treasury and individuals from Edward VII downwards are charted. The account covers British military policy up to 1916, interpreting the Gallipoli campaign and explanation for its failure. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Original Title Page 6 Original Copyright Page 7 Dedication 8 Table of Contents 10 Foreword 12 Preface 14 Acknowledgments 16 Abbreviations 17 1 Army and Empire 18 2 The Triumph of Lord Esher 49 3 Division and Debate 79 4 The Machine Constructed 114 5 The Imperial Design 148 6 Strategic Reorientation 182 7 India 215 8 Egypt 255 9 France and Germany 295 10 Democracy at War 316 Bibliography 351 Index 360