French policy after the Convention of Westminster became a strategic maelstrom. The Anglo-Prussian agreement promised action only if France invaded Hanover, yet French leaders treated it as betrayal and aligned with Austria. Their broad commitment gave Austrian aims against Prussia something close to a blank cheque and reduced France's control over escalation. The reversed 1914 comparison shows how a state can answer a defensive alignment by tying itself to an ally whose priorities drive the next crisis.
Notable Point · 33:00-34:13
France gives Austria a blank cheque
The Anglo-Prussian agreement demanded action only if France invaded Hanover, yet France answered it by giving Austria broad backing against Prussia.