<P> What is more, in the event that Britain abandoned its Entente friends, it was feared that if Germany won the war, or the Entente won without British support, then, either way, Britain would be left without any friends . This would have left both Britain and her Empire vulnerable to attack . </P> <P> British Foreign office mandarin Eyre Crowe stated: </P> <P> "Should the war come, and England stand aside, one of two things must happen . (a) Either Germany and Austria win, crush France and humiliate Russia . What will be the position of a friendless England? (b) Or France and Russia win . What would be their attitude towards England? What about India and the Mediterranean?" </P> <P> Domestically, the Liberal Cabinet was split and in the event that war was not declared the Government would fall as Prime Minister Asquith, Edward Grey and Winston Churchill made it clear they would resign . In that event, the existing Liberal Cabinet would lose their jobs . Since it was likely the pro-war Conservatives would be elected to power this would lead to a slightly belated British entry into the war in any event, so wavering Cabinet ministers were also likely motivated by the desire to avoid senselessly splitting their party and sacrificing their jobs . </P>

What was the cause for world war 1