Britain entered the war with a massive navy and a comparatively small army. The British Expeditionary Force nevertheless became crucial on the continent, evidence of how badly the larger Allied land powers needed reinforcement. The criticism concerns the allocation of national strengths rather than the courage or sacrifice of the soldiers involved. The moment shows a recurring coalition problem: a state may be compelled to use a scarce capability because its partners cannot fill the role expected of them.
Notable Point · 27:58-28:38
Britain's naval strength and its small army in 1914
A force-structure aside asks why Britain committed its small professional army when its main comparative advantage was naval power.