Britain, France, Germany Overview

The British Empire, during Queen Victoria's reign, expanded greatly, reaching its peak in 1914, with over 400 million people in 56 territories. This vast empire contributed to Britain's industrial and economic dominance, making it the richest country in the world by 1900.

Despite its vast wealth and global influence, Britain faced significant internal issues, including a stark gap between the rich and the poor, with a majority of the population living in poverty. The lack of social safety nets, such as unemployment benefits, sick leave, or pensions, further exacerbated these inequalities.

Although France became a republic with an elected president, powerful army generals held key positions in the government. This combination of elected leadership and military influence marked France's political system. It also had the second-largest empire, controlling around 60 million people in Africa.

France's defeat and loss of territory to Germany in 1870 deeply wounded national pride, creating a lasting sense of resentment. It was also falling behind in industrial development and population growth compared to countries like Britain and Germany, highlighting its declining competitive advantage.

A relatively new nation, Germany was formed in 1871 when several states unified. Kaiser Wilhelm II, with absolute power, ruled the country, driving the ambitious goal of expanding its empire, even though it was much smaller than other European powers.

Industrial growth in Germany brought wealth to some, but many workers remained impoverished. This stark contrast reflected the social inequalities resulting from rapid industrialization, similar to the challenges faced by Britain.

Britain's economic and military might, coupled with its vast empire, made it a significant player on the world stage. Its close relationships with royal families across Europe also shaped its diplomatic landscape, influencing alliances and international power dynamics.

France's political system, although outwardly democratic, was shaped by the influence of the military establishment, making it a hybrid of elected and military-backed power. This unique characteristic played a role in France's foreign policy and its interactions with other nations.

Germany's ambition to build its empire, driven by Kaiser Wilhelm II's leadership, led to a significant focus on military expansion, economic competition, and international power projection. This ambition was a key factor in the growing tensions between the European powers.

The lack of social safety nets in Britain, such as unemployment benefits, sick leave, and pensions, left a large section of the population vulnerable and without security. This social inequality contributed to tensions within the society, and also reflected a political stance that emphasized individual responsibility.