week_11_european_diplomacy_before_the_first_world_war

Exam

Week 11

European diplomacy before the First World War (1890-1914)

Prof. Idlir Lika Explaining the relative rise and decline of great powers in the world (1890

1914) 

 By 1903, GERMANY controlled the largest percentage (37 %) of industrial output in Europe (larger even than Britain) and the German army was the most powerful in the world  Thus, by 1903, Germany for the first time was a potential hegemon in Europe  Having the largest economic and military power in Europe, post-Bismarck German leaders reversed Bismarcks foreign policy

they now wanted to establish German hegemony over Europe, expand Germanys borders and make Germany a colonial power (a policy referred to as Weltpolitik)