Well, it probably was inevitable largely because the Kaiser wanted it. But as you say few foresaw the extent or the grimness of it. They expected perhaps something similar to the Napoleonic or Crimea… (View Post)

It is worth noting that the summer of 1914 was a very fine one, with excellent weather and the prospect of a harvest comparable to that of 1913 (which had been very good - in fact, the Soviet Union d… (View Post)

A point made forcefully by many historians, for example Michael Bentley. 'Politicians of that era (1905-1914) had no reason to think that they needed to complete everything before the chiming of… (View Post)

Bashir may have potential, but he's hardly going to realise it if he never plays cricket where he can learn to use his attributes to take wickets and dry up runs. There's a non-trivial chan… (View Post)

FPT It’s hardly a stretch to say that any one of Hameed, Compton, Haines, Charlesworth or Lees would be a better option at the top of the order than Crawley (or indeed one of them also replacing Pope… (View Post)