Economic Rivalry Economic Rivalry (Militarism)(Militarism)

BackgroundBackground: There was also growing tension : There was also growing tension between Germany and Britain economically. between Germany and Britain economically.

Britain was the first country to industrialise and Britain was the first country to industrialise and for many years dominated Europe economically. for many years dominated Europe economically. However, Germany rapidly caught up after her However, Germany rapidly caught up after her

unification in 1871. By 1900 it rivalled the more-unification in 1871. By 1900 it rivalled the more-established British economy as the world's established British economy as the world's

largest. largest.

Primary IndustriesPrimary Industries

• German coal production, about one-third of German coal production, about one-third of Britain's in 1880, increased sixfold by 1913, Britain's in 1880, increased sixfold by 1913, almost equaling British yields that year. almost equaling British yields that year.

• German steel production increased more German steel production increased more than tenfold in the same period, surpassing than tenfold in the same period, surpassing British production by far. British production by far.

• She soon had England on the defensive She soon had England on the defensive through the production of cheap and poorer-through the production of cheap and poorer-quality, though eminently more saleable, quality, though eminently more saleable, industrial goods for a world market. industrial goods for a world market.

Secondary IndustriesSecondary Industries

• Germany also took an early lead in Germany also took an early lead in the chemical and electrical the chemical and electrical industries. industries.

• In chemistry, companies like BASF In chemistry, companies like BASF became renowned for their became renowned for their discoveries, and in electricity, by discoveries, and in electricity, by 1914 the country was producing half 1914 the country was producing half the world's electrical equipment. the world's electrical equipment.

QuestionQuestion

• In what ways were economic and In what ways were economic and colonial rivalry connected? Explain colonial rivalry connected? Explain your answer.your answer.

• The German Navy will rival the The German Navy will rival the British Navy by 1914.British Navy by 1914.