The Fall of the Dynasties: The Collapse of the Old Order: 1905-1922

by Edmond Taylor

“We have joined our hands together religiously,” he wired Nicholas. “We have given our signatures before God, who has heard the promise we swore. I consider, therefore, that the treaty is still in force. If you desire some alterations of detail, propose them to me. But what is signed is signed. God is our witness.” Nicholas did not reply. He never forgave Wilhelm for having duped him. Consciousness of the shabby role he himself had played, whether from weakness or from duplicity, probably added to his bitterness. The affectionate relations which had existed between the two cousins for ten years were at an end, and the Anglo-Russian accord of 1907, completing the encirclement of Germany and the definitive crystallization of Europe into two hostile power-blocs, was in sight. Wilhelm had indeed succeeded in making history at Bjorkoe, though not in the way he intended.