1871-1910 (Britain Keeps America)

Europe's Balance of Power
The defeat of France in the Six Year's War, and the deposition of Emperor Napoleon III as a result of the war, permanently shifted the European balance of power. The war gave birth to the German Empire, which soon entered the top tier of European nations. This led to the resentful France to sought an alliance with Russia, in order to trap Germany between the two during a way. Germany's charismatic chancellor, Wilhelm von Bismarck, focused on keeping good relations with the Russians. Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria-Hungary, known as the League of Two Empires. Bismarck focused on keeping peace between the European powers, while simultaneously becoming one of them. Bismarck also hoped to keep the good relations with Great Britain that had been formed during the war.

Second Industrial Revolution
The Second Industrial Revolution was spearheaded by Great Britain and Germany, who had built massive railways and telegraph systems. Using these systems, along with other inventions such as steam ships, allowed products to be shipped farther and faster than ever before. Countries were linked together, with information reached places in record time. The economic boom created allowed Germany to invest in smaller nations that lacked the money or knowledge to industrialize. By 1910, 60% of Germany's foreign investment was in Europe. These smaller nations joined the Grand Alliance, which threatened to tip the scales and become the continent's dominant power.

Not wanting to be left behind, France initiated their own plans. The French introduced old age pensions, accident insurance, medical care, and unemployment insurance, an appealing policy that bound workers to the state. Production in France increased, with some of its money pumped into Russia, who began to build its own industries.