Changes

The relationship among European nations was strained and tense around 1900, also known as the turn of the (20th) century.  The nations had much to disagree about.  Imperialism caused conflicts to arise.  Economic competition intensified, and the quest for raw materials like gold, oil and agriculture heightened the tension.

The relationship among European nations was strained and tense around 1900, also known as the turn of the (20th) century.  The nations had much to disagree about.  Imperialism caused conflicts to arise.  Economic competition intensified, and the quest for raw materials like gold, oil and agriculture heightened the tension.

Nationalism was increasing at this time, whereby the countries of Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russian, France and Italy began to feel pride in themselves and dislike for each other.  The balance of power that was set up after Napoleon was no longer effective.  It seemed inevitable that a future Napoleon-like dictator would try to rule the world again.

Nationalism was increasing at this time, whereby the countries of Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, France and Italy began to feel pride in themselves and dislike for each other.  The balance of power that was set up after Napoleon was no longer effective.  It seemed inevitable that a future Napoleon-like dictator would try to rule the world again.

Nations built up massive military might, and bragged about them.  Germany sought to have the largest navy to compete with Britain’s claim that it had the best navy.  Rulers found it popular to have a huge "standing army" (army in peacetime) that could be mobilized at any time.

Nations built up massive military might, and bragged about them.  Germany sought to have the largest navy to compete with Britain’s claim that it had the best navy.  Rulers found it popular to have a huge "standing army" (army in peacetime) that could be mobilized at any time.