Broadening Brightness: The Rise of German Industrialism

Between the years of 1750 and 1850, Great Britain took the initiative to become the first major European country to reach out to the rest of the world and find new ways to broaden its roots. Not only did they expand technologically, but militarily and geographically as well. Until 1815, they ruled the empire independently as no one else looked to become their next contender. However, when Germany gained confidence and began to see the potential they had to become a major player in the world, their industrialization commenced. Quickly, they surpassed England, became the new world leader, and kept the other countries on their toes at all times. Inspired by the idea of becoming a cultural “power house,” the Germans used the thought of rising above the rest to motivate themselves to industrialize quicker than the other countries who claimed to be a threat before World War I.

Prior to the start of Germany’s industrialization, the country was no different from the others although it flourished in potential. From the British Isles to Continental Europe and North America, the Industrial Revolution greatly increased the number of advantages the Western powers possessed. They had the upper hand in manufacturing capacity and could not be stopped in war-like battles. Although they did have the ability to run roughshod over the rest of the world, they preferred to strengthen political rivalries and economic competition between the different European powers. In the first half of the nineteenth century, Britain was a naval superiority who was left to dominate overseas trade and empire building on their own. By the end of that time, other countries began to leave their mark on the globe; Belgium, France, and especially Germany. With a larger ro...

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