'The rise and decline of the great powers can be explained by their relative economic performance' To what extent do you agree?

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view 8 essays on International relations 1900-1939 that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

'The rise and decline of the great powers can be explained by their relative economic performance' To what extent do you agree?

The great powers relative economic performances played a large role in determining their strength and power. Economic change in Britain, Turkey and Russia led largely to their declines between 1900 and 1919, while in the USA and Japan it led to their rise. However there were also many other factors in each country's change in power. Size of Military strength and also the army's reputation for success or failure in wars previously were very important as they determined how powerful the country would be in a time of war. Previous wars had benefited the USA, Japan and Britain but simultaneously weakened Turkey and Russia, de-stabilising their governments. Victory or defeat in wars also affected the outcome of any treaties that may have followed. These treaties were crucial factors in determining a country's power, as a poor outcome in a major treaty could destroy a country, leaving it small and weak. The impact of treaties on the powers was particularly shown by Germany's outcome of the Treaty of Versailles following World War 1. The Treaty left Germany