A visual representation of the continent’s political boundaries at the dawn of the First World War. It illustrates the division of territories, the existence of empires, and the placement of sovereign states as they were understood in that period. An example would be the delineation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, showcasing its expansive reach across Central Europe, or the clear demarcation between France and Germany, highlighting the contested region of Alsace-Lorraine.
Its significance lies in providing context for understanding the causes and progression of World War I. It reveals the complex web of alliances and rivalries that contributed to the outbreak of hostilities. Studying such depictions aids in appreciating the geopolitical landscape of the time, including the power dynamics between nations, territorial disputes, and the existence of colonial possessions held by European powers. These elements directly influenced the course of the conflict and the subsequent reshaping of the continent.