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Russia that had once been a major power in Europe was significantly weakened in the middle of the 19th century and "From the end of the Crimean war in 1856 to the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the question of which of the Great Powers would take its place was wide open" (Sperber, p. 6). The question was finally answered by the outcome of Franco-Prussian war.
The Franco-Prussian war brought the fragmented German nationality into a solid mould. It helped in achieving the national coherence that Germany had been looking for. Instead of being divided into various blocs, German people were finally united under one union and this had a huge impact on power and dominance of Germany on the world scene. "Close political union with Austria meant close political union with that section of German nationality within Austria. Complete political unity of the German nationality had been achieved; the whole world was now its arena." (Benedict, p. 14)
But Germany outdid itself by occupying more territory than it could possibly manage and thus annihilating the other major powers in the world including Russia and Britain. Britain understood that the only way to stop Germany was through military power and thus at the...
Britain also extended a hand of friendship towards France which had already been overpowered by Germany. Eager to re-emerge as a superpower, France joined forces with Britain and around the world such alignments were noticed. The main reason for these diplomatic and military unions was the alarming rise of Germany and its towering position on the Continent. The result was the First World War followed by Second World War, both of which proved extremely detrimental to Germany powerful position in Europe and around the world.
Once the wars ended, they left Germany in a deplorable condition. Its financial resources needed urgent replenishment and its institutions were in tatters. However Germany did not collapse completely under the weight of its crushing defeat by the Allies; and instead began rebuilding itself as an economic power.
References
Wells, H.G. (2006) A short history of the World. Penguin Publishing.
Benedict, B. (1919) A History of the Great War. Bureau of National Literature Inc.
Sperber, J. (2008) Europe 1850-1914: Progress, Participation and Apprehension. Longman, 1st edition.
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