The Fortunes of War

Reports through back channels concerning events at the Dardanelles generated doubts in London over the reliability of the commanding admiral’s assessment. The War Council nevertheless sent reinforcements to Dardanelles to maximize chances of victory. Unexpectedly, the Russians turned against the operation—fearful that it might succeed. On March 18, Anglo-French fleet attacking the Dardanelles suffered disaster. With Kitchener’s and Churchill’s support, Asquith decided that the attack must continue at all costs and ordered a risky amphibious assault. Because a majority of the War Council now opposed the operation, Asquith did not summon it to endorse his decision. Adding to Asquith’s desperation for success, the wheat crisis worsened when the traders realized the British government’s secret policy of price manipulation. They withdrew from the market, causing British wheat imports to dry up.