We now have/had
this rather lenghty discussion on what "Britain" or rather the british politicians in charge might do, if the germans would not invade Belgium as IOTL.
IMHO we've learned, that - maybe contrary to someones perception - the answer isn't an easy one as it would have quite some effect on the further course of the Great War and theirwith history; effects which seem to be at odds with some peoples ... opinion of how and what history should happen.
The outcome of this discussion until now seems far from an unanimous consensus as there seem beside facts also faith being involved, with some ... interpreting effects on facts up to them being disregarded and/or ignored.
However, for someone (not necessarily me, there might be/are others as well), who might contemplates writing an ATL with that content/POD (no german invasion of Belgium) it might be of interest, what - at least - might be the majority 'opinion' on this theme before starting to write for not being 'drained'/'spammed' in his TL in a similar exhaustive discussion. ... on this part alone.
Therefore this poll to give such enterpreneurs at least some ... guidance, what might be accepted on this board.
edit : the questions in full :
- Britain enters the war siding with France and Russia within the first week of August (DoW against Germany)
- Britain does not enter the war at all as the casus belli (Belgium) lacks and stays - nominall, whatever side leaning - neutral
- Britain enters later (after 1st September as last, rather not before early 1915) for some other, new casus belli
I have deliberatly given 'only' 3 choices, though I know, that after such a POD (no german invasion of Belgium as IOTL) there are as many courses of events possible as butterflies exists, hidden in the especially by mayself so often cited 'devilish details'.
But here I want/hope/look for a rather general direction only.
I would be happy, if you could - in case of choosing answer C - provide some thoughts on actually when you would assume a british entry into the war ITTL and on what 'new' casus belli (hopefully a wee bit more ... detailed than "... some naval incident ...").