Abstract: Justin Olmstead „Peace, a tactical approach: How Britain and Germany abused the Promise of Peace during the First World War“

Great Britain and Germany did not hesitate to use the promise of peace to give their troops the time needed to win the war in decisive fashion. This tactical use of peace allowed Britain to maintain the possibility of American intervention only if the military claimed it was needed to bring the war to a successful conclusion. Similarly, the German Foreign Office was able to use the idea of peace to diffuse American angst therefore allowing the German military time to manoeuvre in hopes of ending the war through military means. This paper will reveal that Britain and Germany spoke with the United States about peace only when they believe peace suited their purposes. Peace was only an option to either country if it was perceived to be in a position of strength and could dictate the terms. Peace, it turned out, was simply another weapon of war.

Colloque international “Les défenseurs de la paix 1899-1917. Approches actuelles, nouveaux regards”, 15-17 janvier 2014