As a long-standing world hegemon, the British had cultivated an arrogance over the past century.
Upon receiving the Vienna Government's final ultimatum, the British parliamentarians, feeling their dignity provoked, displayed a rare efficiency. Within a single afternoon, they made their decision.
After reaching a consensus in the parliament, on the evening of December 26, 1904, Edward VII issued a universal war mobilization order and formally declared war on the Holy Roman Empire.
Declaring war first might have been petulant, but it stemmed more from political necessities. Although the means were somewhat crude, as long as they were effective, that was acceptable.
The arrogant British did not fear this war, but that did not mean their allies who followed their lead were unafraid.
In fact, if it weren't for the cunning of the British Government, who cheated and deceived various nations into joining the fray, those countries would not have bothered.
