This war represents the German Revolution, a greater political event than the French Revolution of last century - I don't say a greater, or as great, a social event. What its social consequences may be are in the future. Not a single principle in the management of our foreign affairs, accepted by all statesmen for guidance up to six months ago, any longer exists. There is not a diplomatic tradition which has not been swept away. You have a new world, new influences at work, new and unknown objects and dangers with which to cope. ... The balance of power has been entirely destroyed, and the country which suffers most, and feels the effects of this great change most, is England.