1. Congress of Vienna 1815 Goal: Return a balance of power to Europe Redrew map of Europe, without taking into account the power of nationalism Relative peace in the region for 100 years

2. Great Britain Constitutional monarchy Leading power in Europe after Industrial Revolution Economic wealth, imperial empire, naval supremacy Rivalry with France declines, new focus is Germany Had the least to gain from a war in Europe

3. France A republic under Napoleon III Many longed for glory days of Napoleon’s empire Imperial power Wanted revenge against Germany.

4. Austria-Hungary Formed a Dual Monarchy in 1867 Each had their own constitution and parliament Shared defense, finance, and foreign affairs Slavic groups within the empire wanted independence

5. The Balkans Known as the “Powder Keg” of Europe Nationalist feelings divided the area Multiple languages, ethnic groups, religions, and cultures Each wanted its own homeland Independent states of Serbia and Greece

6. Ottoman Empire It was an empire on the decline 1914: German influence in Ottoman foreign policy Feared the rise of nationalism and newly independent states

7. Russia Absolute Monarchy (Tsar Nicholas II) Economy based on serfdom Not fully industrialized Promoted Pan- Slavism

8. Germany Congress of Vienna had created the German Confederation made of 6 states Otto von Bismarck unified the German states (1871) Leading industrial power by 1900 Military buildup