In my dreams, I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, and the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.

Douglas MacArthur.

Hello and welcome to the When Diplomacy Fell Special on World War I, episode 20.3, 1906 to 1913.

If you were wondering why there was a bit more of a gap between this and the last episode,

then it's for a very good reason.

In case you weren't up to date with my business, I recently did a presentation in the Wicklow

Rotary Club on podcasting, podcasts, and of course when diplomacy fails.

I'd like to think it went well, and it was great to take one of the first steps towards

what will hopefully become a steady rate of expansion for the podcast.

All I can do is thank all of them for the opportunity, and thank listeners Seamus, especially one last time for making

it all possible, and for that coffee. Thanks, bud, the whole thing meant a lot to me and really was

flattering. Sometimes I tend to go on too long in these intros, so I won't waste your time

by rambling. But I would like to say a big thanks to Ben, Martin, and Seamus for their donations.

Since this is the first time I've ever been able to send out, thanks for two, let alone

three donations in one episode. It is something of a special occasion, and it is really encouraging to know that

people out there love this enough to send their hard-earned dough my way. So thanks so much,

I mean it sincerely, guys. Okay, with that small amount of housekeeping out of the way,

I'm sure you're pretty ready to get into the meat and veg of this episode, so let's get

going. I will now take you to the year 1906.

Changed utterly was the only adequate way to describe the situation in Europe in 1906.

The isolation France had seen since 1871 had ended after she had sided with Russia, while Germany

had alienated Russia, thus encouraging Russia to side with France, after over two decades of alliances

...