WORLD HISTORY: THE WORLD IN 1914 (1)
THE GLOBAL SITUATION IN 1914
- Dominant Europe: Germany was the leading power both militarily and economically followed by Britain and Russia.
- Varied political systems: US, Britain and France had democratic government; Germany had Chancellor and emperor; Japan and Italy had monarchies with elected house but with limited franchise; Russia and Austria had autocratic rulers.
- Imperial expansion: After 1880, imperial expansion had taken place by European powers, for instance, Scramble for Africa, intervention in Chinese empire, etc.
- Two alliance systems: The world superpowers were divided into -The Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.
- Friction between superpowers: There was naval rivalry between Britain and Germany; Germany accused Britain, Russia and France of ‘encircle’ it; Russia and were suspicious of Austria and Germany; Serbian nationalism was the most dangerous cause of friction.
