To determine which nation would have the biggest advantage during a European war in 1914, we need to consider both the size of the armed forces and the strength of the naval forces for each country. The key elements we need to use from the table provided are:
1. Standing Army
2. Reservists
3. Warships
Step-by-step solution:
1. Calculate the Total Military Force for each nation:
- France:
- Standing Army: 1,125,000
- Reservists: 2,400,000
- Total Force: 1,125,000 + 2,400,000 = 3,525,000
- Germany:
- Standing Army: 2,200,000
- Reservists: 6,300,000
- Total Force: 2,200,000 + 6,300,000 = 8,500,000
- Great Britain:
- Standing Army: 711,000
- Reservists: Treat as 0 (since n/a provided)
- Total Force: 711,000 + 0 = 711,000
2. Consider the number of warships as an additional factor:
- France: 62 warships
- Germany: 97 warships
- Great Britain: 185 warships
3. Calculate the total strength for each country by summing the total force and the number of warships:
- France:
- Total Military Force: 3,525,000
- Warships: 62
- Total Strength: 3,525,000 + 62 = 3,525,062
- Germany:
- Total Military Force: 8,500,000
- Warships: 97
- Total Strength: 8,500,000 + 97 = 8,500,097
- Great Britain:
- Total Military Force: 711,000
- Warships: 185
- Total Strength: 711,000 + 185 = 711,185
4. Compare the total strengths:
- France: 3,525,062
- Germany: 8,500,097
- Great Britain: 711,185
From the calculations above, Germany has the highest total strength.
Conclusion:
Germany would most likely have the biggest advantage during a European war because it has the highest combination of military forces and naval power, with a total strength of 8,500,097.
