During the early twentieth century, the world was predominantly controlled by seven super powers: Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and Japan. Therefore, the global economy rested largely on the shoulders of these controlling empires. Britain’s empire gave it status as the world’s greatest power, as it covered around one quarter of the earth’s surface, ranging from Canada to Africa. Britain had an extremely strong Navy and a stable economy. France was the second largest empire, taking up parts of Africa and Indochina. Germany was a relatively new nation, still looking to build it’s empire.
However they had gained control of a significant portion of land, and were looking to expand their empire. Austria was a large power, but predominantly within the borders of Europe. Russia had also acquired its empire through expansion into Europe and they controlled approximately 1/6 of the earth’s surface. The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) was not as strong as it used to be, their power withering, but still existed as a super power. By 1901, it had been nicknamed the “sick man of Europe.” Japan was emerging as a new empire builder, with an excellent military force and a growing economy. These super powers depended on trade between colonies and themselves, for example, tea from India, crops from Canada and wool from Australia.
Because it was only these seven powers that greatly influenced the world and its economy, the colonies that belonged to these super powers were ultimately the base of the world’s economy at the time.
The Essay on The Russian Empire And The World, 1700-1917
John LeDonne s book The Russian Empire and the World, 1700-1917 takes its readers through the implication of Russia s geography and how it played part in the formation of its boundaries. The author painstakingly shows the development of Russia over two centuries. LeDonne shows every aspect of Russian expansionism and its political motives behind each expansion. At times the author tells how Russia ...
