History: The Great Powers

History: The Great Powers

1. Britain

   • Had the biggest Navy
     • Double power standard
       • Navy always had to be the size of the two biggest navies combined
   • Largest overseas empire
     • Quarter of the worlds surface
   • Rich and powerfully industralised

2. Russia

   • Largest country in the world
     • Population of 159 millon
   • Didn't need an empire
     • Her empire was on her doorstep
       • Wanted to increase influence in the Balkans
         • They were Slavs
         • Russia wasn't the only one interested in the Balkans
   • Had a large army but wasn't as industrialised as the others

3. Germany

   • Wanted Britain's title
     • Their place 'in the sun'
   • Worried Britain as...
     • Germany had a larger population
     • Their industries were more advanced
     • Had more natural resources
     • Expanding their trade
     • Army was increasing
   • Franco- Prussian war 1870-71
     • Wanted to unite all the little states into one big country... Germany
       • France did not approve hence the war
         • Germany took Alsace Lorraine from France

4. Austria Hungary

   • Large empire in the centre of Europe
     • Consisted of many different groups
       • Some did not get along
       • Had their own customs and languages which made the empire hard to rule
       • Groups wanted to be independent from A-H - Nationalism
   • Was also interested in the Balkans

5. France

   • France was defeated in the Franco - Prussian war and handed over Alsace Lorraine
     • France wants revenge
   • Was not as industrialised as Britain or Germany
     • Produced less
   • She had a large empire and army