History Tension and Conflict 1894-1918

• Who were the great powers of Europe before the First World War?


  The great powers were Britain, Germany, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.
• Why is it important to examine the great powers of Europe in detail before the First World War?


  To understand the origins of the First World War.
• What was Britain's status in the years before the First World War?


  Britain was the largest empire and the world's richest country.
• What were the living conditions of the British people before the First World War?


  Most British people were better fed, clothed, healthier, and more educated than many in other countries.
• What significant event did Britain experience in the late 1700s and 1800s?


  Britain was the first country to have an industrial revolution.
• How did the industrial revolution affect Britain's economy by 1900?


  It made Britain an industrial power and the world's richest country.
• How many people did Britain rule over by 1914?


  Britain ruled over 400 million people.
• What was the significance of the size of the British Empire?


  It contributed to Britain's view as a powerful nation despite its small size.
• What were the social divisions in Britain in the early 1900s?


  • 3% were very rich
  • 25% were relatively wealthy (middle-class)
  • The majority were poor (working class)
• What did Benjamin Disraeli mean by saying Britain was like two nations?


  He referred to the stark differences in living conditions between the rich and the poor.
• What was the lack of social support for the poor in Britain before the First World War?


  There was no state sick pay, pensions, or unemployment benefit.
• How did the wealth of the rich in Britain contrast with the lives of the poor?


  The rich enjoyed luxury while the poor struggled to earn enough to feed their families.
• What were the signs that Britain's economic leadership was under threat before the First World War?


  The USA was producing more goods than Britain and Germany, and other nations were making their own goods.
• What was the population of Britain in 1914?


  41 million.
• How many battleships did Britain have in 1914?


  122 battleships.
• What was the size of the British army in 1914?


  710,000 soldiers.
• How many colonies did Britain have in 1914?

  56 colonies.
• What was the coal production of Britain per year in 1914?


  300 million tonnes.
• What was the steel production of Britain each year in 1914?


  11 million tonnes.
• What was the size of the French army in 1914?


  1,250,000 soldiers.
• How many colonies did France have in 1914?

  29 colonies.
• What was the population of France in 1914?


  41 million.
• What was the coal production of France per year in 1914?


  40 million tonnes.
• What was the steel production of France each year in 1914?


  5 million tonnes.
• What was the population of the French colonies in 1914?


  58 million.
• What was the size of the French colonies in 1914?

  11 million square kilometres.
• What was the population of Russia in the early 1900s?

  Nearly 160 million people.
• What were the main ethnic groups in Russia before the First World War?


  Over 200 different ethnic groups, including Russian Orthodox Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
• What was the economic condition of most Russians before the First World War?


  Most Russians lived in extreme poverty and were illiterate peasants.
• Who ruled Russia before the First World War?

  Tsar Nicholas II.
• What was the political structure of France before the First World War?


  France was a republic ruled by an elected president and politicians.
• What was the impact of the Franco-Prussian War on French attitudes towards Germany?


  It created a desire for revenge against Germany after their defeat.
• How did the French Empire compare to the British Empire in size and population?


  The French Empire was the second largest, controlling around 11 million square kilometres and nearly 60 million people.
• What were the living conditions like in Russia before the First World War?


  Living conditions were harsh, with extreme poverty and little concern for workers' health and safety.
• What was the size of the Russian army in 1914?


  The size of the Russian army was 1,200,000 soldiers.
• What was the main religion of most Russians before the First World War?

  Most Russians were members of the Russian Orthodox Church.
• What was the Tsar's belief about his rule over Russia?

  Tsar Nicholas II believed that God had chosen him to be ruler.
• How did Tsar Nicholas II's appointments affect the governance of Russia?


  He often appointed unqualified family members and friends, leading to corruption and inefficiency.
• What areas did Russia seek to acquire before the First World War?

  Russia sought to acquire areas such as Manchuria, Persia, and the Balkans.
• What were the conditions in the Russian countryside before the First World War?


  Conditions were harsh, with extreme poverty and poor harvests leading to starvation.