Britain's way of war rested on strategic mobility and finance more than a large standing army. It could move forces by sea and fund allies, trading treasure for coalition endurance. This made Britain dangerous even when its own manpower was limited. Avoiding Belgium mattered because it deprived the cabinet of its clearest reason to activate those advantages against Germany.
Notable Point · 41:34-42:17
Why Germany wants Britain outside the war
Britain's danger to Germany lies less in a large standing army than in money and maritime mobility that can sustain coalitions over time.