The Arms Race 1900-14

The existance of large armies in Europe was another threat to peace. Military leaders argued that the only way to ensure peace was to have an army strong enough to deter another country from invading. This view was supported by the manufacturers of arms, who made vast profits from the arms race.

All the Great Powers, except for Britain, increased the size of their army during this period.

• In 1913 the French raised the period of conscription (compulsory military service) from two years to three and a…