Britain

What was Britain like in 1914?

In 1914 Britain was the wealthiest country in the world. However, its dominance was under threat from other industrialising countries.

What was British foreign policy in 1914?

Britain's foreign policy had experienced significant change by 1914:

• ❖ In the late nineteenth century, Britain had avoided getting involved in European affairs through its policy of 'splendid isolation'.
• ❖ In the early 1900s, Britain abandoned this 'splendid isolation' due to the growing threat from Germany.
• ❖ Britain became part of the Triple Entente by 1907.
• ❖ Imperialism was strong in Britain. It possessed the world's most powerful navy and largest merchant fleet.
• ❖ Britain wanted a balance of power in Europe and always put the defence of the empire first.

What was the British economy like in 1914?

By the start of the twentieth century, Britain was the wealthiest country in the world.

• ❖ London was the centre of global finance.
• ❖ Much of this wealth came from the empire, which was the largest in the world in 1914.
• ❖ However, the economy was in decline as Germany and the USA were overtaking Britain in areas such as coal and iron production.

What was the British government like in 1914?

Britain a constitutional monarchy whose head of state was King George V.

What was the population of Britain in 1914?

Britain ruled over 41 million citizens internally and another 390 million subjects in its colonies.