Hacker News Reader

I trust UK more (they didn't wave white flags like crazy nor they didn't start two world wars). It is a pity they are out now.

View on HN

As a Brit and in the interest of accuracy, Britain declared war on Germany both in 1914 [0] and 1939 [1] after an ultimatum to Germany expired. So technically 'we' did "start" the WORLD WARs (if we hadn't declared war it is debatable war would have spread to the rest of the world (at least immediately)).

[0] 23:00 August 4th 1914, in response to the invasion of Belgium by Germany.

[1] 11:00 September 3rd 1939, in response to the invasion of Poland by Germany.

Why draw the line of causation there? That seems a bit ridiculous. France had issued the same ultimatum, and declared war just a few hours later.

Both France and Britian were obligated by treaty to defend Poland. Germany started the conflict, and knew full well that they would force other countries to get involved. To claim otherwise is counter-factual.

If you punch a police officer in his face, and his partner knocks you out, you can't claim the partner started the fight.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com