TOPIC 1: BEGINNING OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

• By 1870, the world was dominated by the small continent of Europe.

• This was due to scientific and industrial knowledge as well as military power.

• However, out of the twenty independent states at that time, only the following seven countries could claim the title of Great Powers.

1. GERMANY

• Had industrial achievement which later led to rivalry with Britain.
• The Chancellor was head of the government.
• From 1900 to 1909, there was Von Bullow who was replaced by Bethman Holloweg in 1914.

2. FRANCE

• Had an unstable government due to presence of numerous parties which had no national interest at heart.

• It was often lowered by a series of crises.

3. AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

• This dual monarchy of Austria and Hungary was formed in 1867.
• The countries had separate governments but under one Emperor, a common army, common financial system and foreign policy.

4. ITALY

• Was politically and economically weak.
• Had few honest politicians with too many political parties resulting in unstable governments.
• Economically, it lacked material resources. As a result, there was general poverty which led to outbreaks of violence in the 1900s.

5. TURKEY

• With the decline of law and order, the Empire was crumbling hence called the sick man of Europe.
• Since 1876, it was ruled by Sultan Abdul Hamid whose government was noted for terrorism.

6. RUSSIA

• Was the largest country covering 1/10 of the world.
• It was ruled by the inefficient and ruthless Czar Nicholas II in the 1900s.

7. BRITAIN

• Enjoyed industrial prosperity as a result of well-organised and steady political system.