Question

world dc activities
source: adapted from
the london times
history of the world, new
edition edited by richard
overy, 1999. note: by
1914 the entente powers
could field 2.25 million
men; germany and
austria - hungary 2.3
million.

1. in millions of british

pounds, how much did
germany and
austria - hungary
spend in 1890? in 1904?
(add up the 2 countries)
a. 1890
b. 1904

1. how much did great britain, russia, and france spend in 1890? in 1914? (add up the 3 countries)

a. 1890
b. 1914

1. which nation spent the greatest percent on its navy? why would it do that? a. country

b. why?

1. is there evidence in the chart to support the thesis that an arms build - up (militarism) was an underlying cause of world war i? explain.
2. how can an argument be made that an arms build - up might lead to peace? explain

Explanation:

1. Question 1:

• 1890: Germany (25m) + Austria-Hungary (15m) = $25 + 15 = 40$ million £
• 1914: Germany (120m) + Austria-Hungary (78m) = $120 + 78 = 198$ million £

1. Question 2:

• 1890: Great Britain (30m) + Russia (10m) + France (10m) = $30 + 10 + 10 = 50$ million £
• 1914: Great Britain (102m) + Russia (90m) + France (98m) = $102 + 90 + 98 = 290$ million £

1. Question 3: Great Britain’s navy expenditure is visibly the largest share of its total arms spending. As a global imperial power with overseas colonies, it relied on a dominant navy to protect trade routes, supply lines, and territorial holdings.
2. Question 4: All major powers show a steep, consistent rise in arms spending from 1890 to 1914. This widespread, rapid militarization created a climate of distrust and rivalry, directly aligning with the thesis that arms build-up was an underlying cause of World War I.
3. Question 5: The argument relies on mutual deterrence: if all major powers build up equivalent military strength, no single nation will risk starting a war, as the potential cost and destruction would be catastrophic for all sides. This balance of power can discourage aggressive actions.

Answer:

1. a. 40 million £, b. 198 million £
2. a. 50 million £, b. 290 million £
3. A. Great Britain; B. Maritime defense/imperial needs
4. Yes
5. Through mutual deterrence theory