Western Civilization II / Unit 4 WC2 0321 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Five Great Powers
Captions available
The idea
Five monarchies with a strong dynasty, a large army and stability jockeyed for position in Europe and overseas: France, the largest and richest and most admired; Britain, the constitutional exception with the navy; Austria; the upstart Prussia; and Russia. French was their common language.
In practice
Britain and France the century's central rivalry.
Where people slip
The anchor's Frederick-and-horses remark is "supposedly"; not voiced as fact.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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