The condition of European countries before the first world war was the following :
1. England : At this time England was the most prosperous nation in Europe. Its navy was very strong and powerful. England’s colonial empire had been established in most parts of the world. At this time England was taking interest in increasing its economic and imperialistic interests. In the East, England had established its colonial Empire in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaya and Africa. Persia, Afganistan, Tibet, Neptal and Middle east were also influenced by England.
2. Germany : Before the World War-I Germany had the most powerful land forces in Europe. It had become an economically prosperous nation but it had less colonies. So it considered England as its great rival. In the leadership of Emperior Willian-II Germany which was situated in centre of Europe, wanted to become the supreme power of Europe.
3. Russia : In terms of area Russia was the largest country in the world. It was under the rule of Czar. At this time Russia was taking interest in Balkan region where a great number of Slav people lived. Russia wanted to destroy the Ottoman Empire and establish a great Slav state there. In this Austria was its greatest opponent.
4. France : By getting Alsace and Lorraine areas from Germany, France wanted to get the dignity of the past. France has established its colony in Indo-China, Indonesia and Africa.
5. Austria : In Europe, Austria was engaged in conflict in Balkan region with Russia and Serbia. In 1908-09 CE, Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina into its Empire. Due to this its relation with Russia, Serbia and Italy became worse.
