By 1914, Russia had not yet finished its rearmament program. Even if McMeekin's view is correct, it still would have made more sense for Russia to delay for a year or two.

Question

Answer

Pro: The early 20th century had seen an economic boom in Russia. However, the government had not had enough time to turn that economic prosperity into an army comparable to the others in Europe.

What caused World War One?

By 1914, Russia had not yet finished its rearmament program. Even if McMeekin's view is correct, it still would have made more sense for Russia to delay for a year or two.

Pros

Cons

The early 20th century had seen an economic boom in Russia. However, the government had not had enough time to turn that economic prosperity into an army comparable to the others in Europe.

Selected claim, opposing its parent

By 1914, Russia had not yet finished its rearmament program. Even if McMeekin's view is correct, it still would have made more sense for Russia to delay for a year or two.

Pro claim 1

The early 20th century had seen an economic boom in Russia. However, the government had not had enough time to turn that economic prosperity into an army comparable to the others in Europe.