The political structures of the Great Powers: liberal democracies in Britain and France and autocracies in Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary; the effect of political structures on decision-making
Britain and France ran as democracies, where elected politicians shared power. Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary were autocracies, where emperors and small elites made decisions alone.
Real World
In July 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II and his military chiefs made the decision to issue the 'blank cheque' to Austria-Hungary in a matter of hours, without parliamentary debate — a contrast to Britain's Cabinet, which argued for days before agreeing to enter the war on 4 August.
Exam Focus
Always connect political structure to a specific decision-making outcome; abstract comparisons between 'democracy' and 'autocracy' alone will not score highly.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?