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LCIMUN 2014

LAKESHORE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2014

World War One

Background Guide

LCIMUN 2014 - WWI

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Table of Contents

World War One

The British Empire ----------------------------------------------------------------3-4

Canada (British Empire) ---------------------------------------------------------5-6

Australia (British Empire) ----------------------------------------------------------7

France -----------------------------------------------------------------------------8-10

Germany --------------------------------------------------------------------------11-12

The Russian Empire -------------------------------------------------------------13-15

Belgium ---------------------------------------------------------------------------16-17

Ottoman Empire-----------------------------------------------------------------18-19

Italy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------20-21

Japan-------------------------------------------------------------------------------22-23

Austria-Hungary ----------------------------------------------------------------24-25

United States Of America ------------------------------------------------------26-28

Bulgaria ---------------------------------------------------------------------------29-30

Romania --------------------------------------------------------------------------31-32

Serbia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------33

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The British Empire

Leaders:

Monarch: Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V

Prime Minister: Herbert Henry Asquith, David Lloyd

George

Brief History:

The empire on which the sun never sets is certainly fitting to describe the British Empire

prior to the start of the First World War. Its colonies spanned more than a quarter of the

Earth's total land area. Britain was the indisputable world superpower that dominated in its

military, technology, and colonial empire. Its role in the world then is comparable to that of

the U.S. now, its every move influencing the entire world. Its military size was surprisingly

small for such a vast empire, though Britain had the largest and most advanced navy in the

world.

Politics and Society:

In 1901 Britain had a constitutional government, but it was not completely democratic.

Freedom of speech was not permitted and the formation of a coalition government silenced

any possible opposition. The conservative ideology dominated in politics, with Britain having

the most restrictive franchises in the world. A full-fledged democracy did not come until after

the war, though some reform was made, such as, the House of Lords not having veto power.

Economy:

Being the first nation to industrialize, Britain was definitely an economic superpower during

the nineteenth century. However, Britains economic power was overtaken by the United

States of America. Its economy was largely dependent on its colonies. The colonies

supported Britain with raw materials, where Britain would manufacture, and ship off to the

rest of the world. However, uprisings and wars in its colonies disrupted this and also the

establishment of large monopolies dragged back the British economy. Despite these

drawbacks, Britain maintained its status as an economic superpower and continued to affect

the global economy.

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Military:

The British military was surprisingly small for such a vast Empire. It comprised of the Royal

Navy and the Army. At this time, the Royal Air Force did not exist. Its navy was what made it

dominate the world. In fact, there was a law in Britain that ensured its domination in the

seas: it stated that Britain must have a navy larger or equal to the next two largest navies

combined. The British government was determined to maintaining its status as a world

superpower by dominating the seas.

Colonies:

Foreign Relations:

The year is 1911 and you control on of the largest most powerful nations in the world. The

state of the world is tense. You now look to your former bitter enemy, France as a temporary

ally. Back in 1904, both of your nations decided to put hostilities aside and signed an entente.

Russia, who was also seen as a rival by you and your empire also entered into the entente

together in 1907. You do not trust your new allies completely because of years of hostilities,

though, you do not think that treachery is a possibility quite yet. This triple entente will offer

some protection from the power hungry Germany. You are involved in a trade agreement

with the Ottoman Empire as well as Austria-Hungary. It is up to you as a ruler do decide, if

war breaks out, to send troops into the main land or not Your main objective as a delegate of

the British Empire is to put a stop to Germanys rapid and threatening expansion. You also

want to ensure that you remain in control of your colonies.

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Canada (British Empire)

Brief history:

Since confederation, Canada had been

expanding greatly, taking the entire

north of the North American continent.

The construction of the Canadian

Pacific Railway also connected Canada

from sea to sea, making trade and

industrialization easier than ever before. The Canadian population relied heavily on

immigration, and so racism was a big problem for Canada at this time. Overall, Canada was a

very prosperous member of the British Empire, providing Britain with lumber and many other

natural resources

Government/Society:

The Canadian government, a constitutional monarchy, followed the structure of the British in

the lower house with a House of Commons, and an American upper house: the Senate.

Economy:

Canada, being one of Britains colonies, maintained its supply of natural resources to Britain.

Entering into the 20th century, Canadas dependence on Britain for economic gains greatly

decreased as the United States came to replace them. Now depending more than ever on the

U.S., Canada decided to seek out a free trade deal with them. Canadian business owners saw

this as a threat and anti-American sentiment grew, which meant that the deal was never made

and the government under Laurier was defeated in the next election.

Military:

Canada had no military of its own. British troops were stationed along borders and the British

navy patrolled Canadian waters. However, prior to the First World War, Britain requested

that Canada aid in the arms race by forming a navy. This was done by purchasing two old

chips from Britain. The Canadian navy was formed thus formed.

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Foreign Relations:

The year is 1911 and you control a large colony of Britain. Your voice is wholly represented by

Britain. Though Britain is supposed to protect your rights, they have often betrayed you. In

the Alaskan Boundary dispute with the U.S., the British representative cast a vote in favour of

the U.S. You realize that internally, the French are against the British representing Canada

and that your society is moving closer to the U.S. than to Britain. Your main objective as a

delegate of Canada is to find new allegiances, while maintaining strong connections with

Britain. You must also try to please French Canada.

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Australia (British Empire)

Brief history:

The Commonwealth of Australia was formed

in 1901 by the Governor-General Lord

Hopetoun. The first prime minister of

Australia, Edmund Barton, was elected in that

same year: The Australian population was very

small at the time, numbering only three million or so, the vast majority of which are of British

decent, who stood firmly behind the decisions of the empire.

Politics/Society:

Like Canada, Australia relied heavily on immigration. However, racism was also prevalent in

Australia, with many laws being passed to discourage the immigration of Asians, especially

the Chinese. The ruling political party was the Protectionist party under Edmund Barton.

Economy:

The Australian economy was very resource based. Its manufacturing only accounted for

approximately 12 percent of its GDP while 30 came from mining and agriculture. Australia

had a very small labour force, which resulted in the relative lack of its productivity.

Military:

After Australia gained its autonomy, they began to establish an army. Since it had a very

small population, people of age had to go through compulsory military training. A military

college was also established in Australia. The military was quite large for such a small

population, with a peacetime standing of 200,000.

Foreign Relations:

The year is 1911 and you control a huge British colony. All your people support Great Britain.

Any move for independence would cause revolts and rebellion. You support Britain

completely and will devote your entire army to its cause. You main objective as a delegate of

Australia is to ensure that Britain achieves victo