The Great Powers

What were the Great Powers?

The Great Powers were the most powerful countries in Europe in the years before the First World War. Their competing foreign policies increased tensions between them which ultimately led to the outbreak of war in 1914.

Who were the Great Powers?

There were 5 Great Powers in 1914:

• ❖ Great Britain.
• ❖ Germany.
• ❖ France.
• ❖ Austria-Hungary.
• ❖ Russia.

What were the characteristics of a Great Power?

To be a great power in 1914 a country had to meet the following criteria:

• ❖ Be able to influence and control international affairs.
• ❖ Possess great economic strength.
• ❖ Possess great military power.
• ❖ Possess a stable and competent government.
• ❖ Rule over a large population of people.
• ❖ Control a large empire that possesses lots of resources.

Which countries were not considered Great Powers but were considered second-rate powers?

There were 4 second-rate powers in 1914:

• ❖ Italy.
• ❖ The Ottoman Empire.
• ❖ Japan.
• ❖ The USA.