The 20th century is an era of unprecedented changes. In the past 100 years, both the achievements made in the progress of productivity and the harm caused by war are unprecedented. Looking back at the evolution of the world structure in the 20th century and analyzing the successes and failures of various countries and the reasons behind them are undoubtedly of great significance for predicting and shaping the future world. This article is the research experience of an ordinary military enthusiast. Although it does not have the authority of an expert, it has its own unique perspective and is worthy of readers' review and judgment.
Eight Powers Competition for Hegemony
At the beginning of the 20th century, eight powerful countries, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, the United States, Austria, Italy and Japan, competed for hegemony. In terms of global influence, the UK ranks first. Britain was the first to complete industrialization. With its strong strength, it occupied 33.5 million square kilometers of colonies, accounting for 1/4 of the earth's land area. The population of Britain and its colonies exceeds a quarter of the world's population. The massive wealth plundered from the colonies made Britain richest in the world, but also reduced its emphasis on industrial standards. By 1913, Britain's industrial output had dropped to third place in the world, accounting for only 13.6% of the world's total industrial output. However, Britain has colonies all over the world and the world's leading navy, and is still known as the world's strongest power.
In terms of military strength, Germany ranks first. Germany is located in the area of ??the Four War in Central Europe, with powerful neighbors such as Russia and France to the east and west. In the era of industrialization, the strength of the military depends first on the strength of the country's heavy industry. Germany vigorously develops heavy industry and enforces compulsory education for its citizens. The development of education provided a strong impetus for Germany's stubbornness. At the beginning of the 20th century, Germany ranked first in Europe in terms of heavy industry and technological strength. In 1913, Germany's industrial output accounted for 14.8% of the world's total industrial output. Industries such as steel, machinery, electricity and chemicals were highly developed, and the arms industry was second to none in Europe. Due to the popularization of education, the illiteracy rate of German soldiers was almost zero. The German Army was the most well-equipped and well-trained army at the time, and ranked first in the world. Germany's naval strength is also second only to Britain.
In terms of economic and military potential. Topping the list is the United States. The United States is separated from Europe by an ocean. Keep its military spending at a minimum. Able to fully develop the economy; it has a vast territory and rich resources. It has all the favorable conditions for industrial development. In 1913, the United States ranked first in the world in industrial output, accounting for 32% of the world's total industrial output. Steel, coal, oil and grain output all rank first in the world. Because of its strong industrial base, the United States' war potential is unmatched by other countries. When Mahan's theory of sea power came out, the United States built a navy that ranked third in the world in a short period of time. In 1907, the United States' Great White Fleet sailed around the world, shocking other powers. However, although the U.S. Navy is powerful, its Army is mediocre, so it is not considered a first-class military power.
As the second country in the world to achieve industrialization, France was once very powerful and had seized 10.6 million square kilometers of colonies around the world, second only to the United Kingdom. Like Britain, France obtained huge financial resources through the plunder of colonies, so it also lacked the motivation to develop industry, and its industrial strength gradually lagged behind countries such as Germany. In 1913, French industrial output ranked fifth in the world, accounting for 6.1% of the world's total industrial output. But France is still a traditional European power with quite developed heavy industry and technological strength. Although the French Army failed in the Franco-Prussian War. But the prestige of the Napoleonic era still exists, and its strength ranks second in the world; the French navy ranks fourth in the world.
Russia is a typical "mud-footed giant elephant". Its territory, population and resources rank first among the great powers, but its social development lags behind seriously. In 1913, Russia's industrial output accounted for 8.2% of the world's total industrial output. It ranks fourth in the world, but a large part of its industrial output value comes from foreign-invested light industry. Heavy industry only accounts for 1/5 of all industries. Education and technology are very backward, and illiteracy and semi-illiteracy account for the vast majority of the population. Although Russia has the largest standing army in the world and is known as the "steam roller", its actual military potential is far less than that of Britain, France, Germany, the United States and other countries.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire once dominated Europe and was still a prominent power in the early 20th century.
At that time, the empire included today's Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slavakia. In 1913, its industrial output ranked sixth in the world, accounting for 4.4% of the world's total industrial output. The Austro-Hungarian Empire had a developed arms industry. The Skoda Arsenal was one of the largest arsenals in the world and enjoyed a high reputation in Europe. However, there are many ethnic groups in Austria-Hungary, and there are many conflicts; education is backward, and there are many illiterate soldiers in the army. Therefore, the military machine of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was inefficient, and like Tsarist Russia, it was externally strong but internally ineffective.
Italy ranks last among the great powers in terms of economic and military strength. This is firstly because it formed a unified country relatively late, and secondly, its small territory and lack of resources are unfavorable to the development of industry. In 1913, Italy's industrial output accounted for only 2.4 of the world's total industrial output. The Italian people's military consciousness is not strong, and the combat effectiveness of the army is extremely low. Throughout the 20th century, the Italian army never achieved decent results. The ranks of powerful navel bodies are really very reluctant.
Japan is the latest member of the club of great powers. But he is the one with the strongest development momentum. Japan's modernization was based on Germany, which vigorously promoted heavy industry and enforced compulsory national education at home. By 1913. Japan's industrial output is equivalent to that of Italy. Both Japan and Germany are composed of a single ethnic group with strong cohesion and strong martial consciousness. The rulers of both countries vigorously promoted the theory of national superiority and advocated foreign aggression and expansion. Since the Meiji Restoration in Japan, political power has been in the hands of warlords. Therefore, it has a strong warlike and martial nature.
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