WW1

• Who were the five most powerful countries in Europe before the First World War?

  Britain, Germany, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary
• Why is it important to examine the great powers of Europe to understand the origins of the First World War?


  To consider each country's ruler, issues, relationships, and military, industrial, and imperial positions
• What was Britain's status in the years before the First World War?


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


  Most were better fed, clothed, healthier, and more educated than many in other countries
• When did Britain experience its industrial revolution?


  In the late 1700s and 1800s
• What was the significance of the British Empire by 1914?


  It ruled over 400 million people and covered one quarter of the world's population and land area
• What were the key features of Britain before the First World War?


  • Largest empire
  • Richest country
  • Industrial power
  • Divided society (rich vs. poor)
  • Symbolic monarchy under George V
• Who was the monarch of Britain during the years leading up to the First World War?

  King George V
• Why was Queen Victoria referred to as the 'Grandmother of Europe'?


  Due to her family's connections to many European rulers through marriage
• What was the role of the British monarch by the time of George V's reign?


  The role was largely symbolic with little political power
• How many colonies did Britain have by 1914?

  57 colonies
• What were the living conditions like for the poor in Britain during the late 19th century?


  They earned barely enough to survive and had no state support
• What did Benjamin Disraeli mean by saying Britain was like 'two nations'?


  He referred to the stark contrast between the rich and the poor
• What was the population of Britain in 1914?

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


  122 battleships
• How many submarines did Britain have in 1914?

  64 submarines
• How many fighter and bomber planes did Britain have in 1914?

  110 planes
• What was the coal production of Britain per year in 1914?


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

  11 million tonnes
• What challenges did Britain face in maintaining its economic leadership before the First World War?


  Competition from the USA and Germany in production of goods
• What was the population of France in 1914?


  41 million
• What was the size of the French army in 1914?

  1,250,000
• How many battleships did France have in 1914?

  46 battleships
• How many submarines did France have in 1914?

  73 submarines
• How many fighter and bomber planes did France have in 1914?

  132 planes
• How many colonies did France have in 1914?

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

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

  11 million square kilometres
• What was the coal production of France per year in 1914?


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


  5 million tonnes
• What was the impact of the Franco-Prussian War on French national pride?


  It led to a desire for revenge against Germany
• How did France's industrial output compare to that of Germany and Britain by the early 1900s?


  France could not match the industrial output of Germany and Britain
• What were some of France's cultural achievements by the early 1900s?


  Leadership in fashion, literature, art, and scientific breakthroughs
• How did the political structure of France differ from that of other European powers?

  France was a republic ruled by an elected president, unlike monarchies
• What were the main issues facing Russia before the First World War?


  Extreme poverty, harsh living conditions, and ethnic tensions
• What was the population of Russia in 1914?

  153 million
• What was the size of the Russian army in 1914?

  1,200,000
• How many battleships did Russia have in 1914?

  26 battleships
• How many submarines did Russia have in 1914?

  29 submarines
• What was the coal production of Russia per year in 1914?


  36 million tonnes