Militarism and Armaments prior to world war i
As signified in the general competition manifesting throughout Europe, Germany’s ambitions described in its Weltpolitik policy prompted responses from the other major powers. As Germany continued to acquire more power making the German Question increasingly apparent, Germany began to instigate tension by asserting its intentions of domination. It fomented a naval race with Britain to ascertain the most prolific navy in the world. Despite Russia’s weak power in military advancements and technology, it accumulated a surfeit of force in terms of soldiers (McDonough). With the greatest number of manpower at 3.9 million at the time of final Russian mobilization, Russia made up for its lack in ability by directing resources into the massive size of the army. Russia’s military endeavors began with the humiliating loss during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 where Russia suffered great failure while attempting to imperialize in Asia. Russia continued to lack resources to successfully mobilize and coordinate transport of its massive army until developing military resources prior to the outbreak of WWI from 1905-1914 (Menning). In addition, Russia created a vast railroad system to assist in mobilization using money given by France as signification of their alliance. France had acquired a peacetime army strength of 827,000 which would be raised to 1,800,000 during war. With Britain’s efforts directed towards the navy, the Entente powers had considerable advantage at sea, especially with the apprehension of the Super Dreadnought warships and ability to blockade resources to Germany. Ultimately, the Entente Powers of Britain, Russia, and France had procured three times as many men and twice as many ships as the Central powers prior to the war ("Buildup to War").