Social and political structures and europe

Question

• The German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, in the latter part of the 1800s, likened the world's new era of political and military alliance building to a giant game of chess. During this era of imperialism, each of the world's major powers had to examine its game board very carefully and strategize its every move to maintain power and influence.

 

• Your Discussion this week explores the complex social and political structures in Europe, Russia, and North and South America and their impact on events leading up to the start of World War I

• Social and political structures and Europe, and review Chapter 5 (pp. 55-68), focusing on those structures in the Americas in this week's Learning Resources.

• Choose one country from either Europe, Russia, or North or South America that you studied in this week's chapter readings and select an influential social and political structure associated with your chosen country.

• Consider each country's social and political structures and that of your chosen country. How did these great empires decide with whom to ally?

• Evaluate how these complex social and political structures impacted events leading up to the start of World War I. How do you think these structures contributed to a heightened level of tension?

• Reflect on the social and political structures in the United States. What factors made the game different in the Americas and in Europe?