The alliance with Japan was to “maintain the status quo of the far east” and was defensive only. There were also another
. . .
If Russia became the most dominant country in Europe, there would be problems in the Far East and Asia as well. alliance in Europe at the time besides the triple entente; The Triple Alliance involved Germany, Italy and Austro Hungary, if there was a war between the two and Britain was not involved, Britain may have become the dominant power in Europe however they may have suffered from reduction in trade from the European powers.
Britain had also agreed to maintain the neutrality of Belgium in the treaty of London in 1839, and Germany demanded to be allowed to go through Belgium causing them to ask for help however some view historians view this as a chance for the liberal government of the time to enter of a relatively united front. The rivalry with Germany may have also influenced the British decision to join the war, Germany was viewed as too close to be allowed to become superior, a key example of this rivalry was the naval race The royal navy being something Britain prided itself on. Although the entente with France and Russia was a major factor the other reasons such as public opinion at home cannot be overlooked as less important to the Ententes and Alliances of the time
.
There were also Anti German sentiments and pro war demonstrations such as that in Trafalgar square and outside Buckingham Palace, the idea of war at the time was of an adventure that would benefit its participants, it was described by journalists as Heroic and did not show the pain and suffering caused by war.
The opinion of the majority of the nation at the time, the perception of war as glorious put pressure on the Government , also the relationship with the French played a major role for Britain joining the war in 1914 and the alliances systems in Europe at the time gave an added incentive for Britain to join . It is the view of some historians that Britain entered the war to resolve problems at home such as the problems in Ireland, the industrial discontent of the time and the increasing problem of the militant suffragette movement.
It seems that Britain may have entered the war to try to gain the best outcome. However discussions of the cabinet dealt only with the situation of Europe at the time however this suggestion cannot be ruled out as it may have unknowingly influenced the Governments policy making. The media also stereotyped foreigners as inferior making the public confident of a quick victory . These problems disappeared due to the wide spread feeling of patriotism and war effort. However if Germany had won Britain may have been in danger of losing a period of Anglo German antagonism or even Germany would attack Britain. However, Britain had made no formal military agreements with any members of the triple entente and was not obliged to join a war if France did.