Neither wanted a repeat of the slaughter of WWI. Both had made commitments to the neutrality of Poland. But they debated about whether it was worth another European holocaust. They had been exhausting their diplomatic efforts with Hitler for years, they tried, one more time...they were laughed off. It was obvious to all, finally, that no more negotiations or "compromise" was possible. Chamberlain of Britain still postponed...He was a good man, a good "schoolmaster" /professor, but he was not the man to deal with Hitler. Hitler had pegged him for a wimp from the first time they met. Chamberlain was shocked that Hitler had lied to him about not intending to invade Poland. Hitler laughed and said, "Ach, that stupid schoolteacher, I have lied to him a hundred times"....Finally, even Chamberlain had to issue the declaration of war against Germany. France followed. France could not go on their own. They had to wait for England. Churchill was almost immediately elected by Parliament to replace Chamberlain as Prime Minister. Winnie had been warning everyone about Hitler for six years. Now he was being heard...Now, he was in charge. Go after him, Winnie! (smile)

Chamber-lame. On second thought, not so.

Honestly, I think it had just as much to do with the fact that nobody really wanted to go to war in the first place.

Some countries tend to think about it before declaring war on another. Wouldn't seem like it nowadays with america, like a bull at a gate, dragging us along with it. Also, I believe there was some debate as to whether or not declaring war upon germany when poland was neutral to both countries was a good idea.