European Geopolitics and Industrial Growth (1871-1914)

International Relations in Europe: The Bismarckian System (1871–1890)

After the unification of Germany, Chancellor Bismarck organized international relations in Europe. His aim was to isolate France—which resented the loss of Alsace and Lorraine—and prevent an alliance between France and Russia against Germany. However, this system ultimately failed due to the enmity between Austria-Hungary and Russia.

The Armed Peace (1891–1914)

This period is known as the "Armed Peace." Although it was a time of relative stability, European countries rearmed and organized into two opposing alliance blocks:

• The Triple Entente: Formed by France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
• The Triple Alliance: Composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

These tensions eventually culminated in the outbreak of World War I.

Urban and Demographic Changes

European Population Growth and Migration

Between 1870 and 1914, the European population accelerated from 300 to 400 million people. This demographic surge resulted in significant emigration abroad and rapid urban growth.

External Migration

A considerable number of people emigrated to new territories. Initially, these migrants came from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia, and later from Central Europe. The primary destinations were the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Second Industrial Revolution

After 1870, a new industrial transformation emerged, originating in the United States and Germany. It involved significant technical advancements and changes in the organization of labor.

Technological Transformations

New sources of energy, specifically electricity and oil, drove these changes:

• Electricity: Used for lighting and motors, particularly following the invention of the accumulator and the transformer.
• Oil: Used to power engines via derivatives such as gasoline and diesel.

Changes in the Organization of Work

New production models, known as Fordism and Taylorism, revolutionized the factory floor:

• Fordism: Initiated by Henry Ford, this model focused on mass production in large, integrated factories where workers specialized in specific tasks.
• Taylorism: Implemented by Frederick Taylor, this method studied ways to save time by eliminating unnecessary movements. It introduced the assembly line, where conveyors moved products to the workers, rather than workers moving to the products.