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A map illustrating the situation in Europe as it teetered on the brink of World War I (1914-18). The political landscape was marked by intricate alliance systems and fierce imperial rivalries among European powers, especially between the British, Russian, and German empires, with nationalistic fervor soaring and the aspirations of various ethnic groups for greater autonomy or independence high. Meanwhile, Europe had engaged in an arms race, with militarism rising, the nations built up their military forces, stockpiled weapons, and prepared for a potential conflict.