Queen Victoria had a distinct vision of her grandchildren shaping world politics, and she calculated political marriages across Europe to do just that. However, the increased political instability of Russia in the early 20th century led her to eschew matches with the tsars. The downfall of the Romanovs validated this, although too late to spare her favorite grandchild—the ill-fated Alexandra, tsarina of Russia. Many of the matches Victoria made were successful liaisons. Yet times were changing, and those in power struggled to adapt. It was this lack of flexibility, coupled with the grandiose dreams of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II and infighting with other grandchildren of Victoria that heavily influenced the events and alliances of World War I. Cadbury (Princes at War) weaves a captivating history featuring tidbits from letters and journals of sexual proclivities, unrequited love, delusions of grandeur, and the pushback of several of Victoria's grandchildren to her matches.
VERDICT By telling the story of how interrelated royal families and their relationships shaped history, Cadbury offers a scintillating portrait of the major royal matches Victoria pursued and their far-reaching effects. A perfect choice for history buffs as well as the average reader; a must-have for libraries.
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