The Uncle of Europe

[Heraclitus]

Edward the VII


I often hear how he was a major factor in Britain aligning with France in the Entente Coordinal, is this true? If he was, am I mistaken in my other impression that the British monarch have been figureheads since the early reign of Queen Victoria? Also did King Edward support any domestic changes besides his activites reagarding foreign policy?



I will freely admit I am a bit lacking concerning modern British history, but I wish to learn more of it.

[David Floyd]

A coupe of books you might want to pick up dealing with British political/military history in the early 1900s are "Dreadnaught" and "Castles of Steel", by an author named Massie (forget his first name).

[molly bloom]

Re: The Uncle of Europe

Originally posted by Heraclitus

Edward the VII


I often hear how he was a major factor in Britain aligning with France in the Entente Coordinal, is this true?

He was instrumental in healing rifts between the French Republic and the British Empire- France had rival interests/concerns in Africa- which had almost given rise to conflict at Fashoda.

Barbara Tuchman gives a very good account of the Anglophilia sparked off in France by Edward VII and his associates, in 'The Proud Tower'.

http://www.amazon.com/Proud-Tower-Portrait-Before-1890-1914/dp/0345405013