Russia

Ottoman

Major European Powers in early 19th century

AustriaFrance

Britain

Prussia

Europe Today

1. Once the European political and cultural centre ; its leading position replaced by Germany.

2. always at war with other powers; wanted to ally with other countries

3. Always scrambled for overseas colonies with Great Britain ; became British ally.

1. conservative and economically backward 2. Troubled by racial problems within the

country.3. After 1879, expanded into the Balkan

Peninsula, making conflicts with Serbia and Russia.

1. The most democratic government ; with the strongest naval force and the largest colonial empire.

2. The strongest maritime empire ; the wealthiest country

3. Kept away from the European continent; looking for allies

1. The most absolute and backward country

2. always in poor relationship with others, especially Great Britain

3. An aggressive state, always expanding into the Balkan Peninsula

1. A “Geographical Expression” until 1870.

2. The weakest power

1. Small states until Prussia unified the country.

2. built up an alliance system to isolate France

3. became stronger and wealthier, challenging Britain and provoking disputes with others

1. Once a strong Muslim state; A “Sick Man of Europe”

2. troubled by Orthodox and Great Powers

3. The Balkan Peninsula became the hot pot

In the early 19th century, most of the countries were ruled by absolute kings. They were threatened by the French Revolution, because Napoleon spread the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity throughout Europe.

The most absolute and backward country, always in poor relationship with others, especially Great Britain

The most democratic government ; with the strongest naval force and the largest colonial empire.

conservative and economically backward Power

Once a strong Muslim state; now a “Sick Man of Europe”

Once the European political and cultural centre , always scrambled for overseas colonies

A “Geographical Expression”

A newly-rise military state

By 1870 Italy and Germany were unified. France and Austria were to decline. Russia was busy with reforms. Britain kept a distance from Europe. Germany became the strongest power. Her rise changed the situation in Europe and worsened the relationship among the Powers.

Group Discussion

Amongst the major powers, 1. Which one was the strongest? 2. Which one was the prey of others? 3. Which countries would be against each

other?4. Which countries would ally with others? 5. Which countries wanted to change the

status quo? 6. Which power would be mostly related to

the outbreak of the First World War?

Divide yourselves into groups of seven; spend 20 minutes to discuss the following questions: