Rise:1late 6th century to1early 7th century. Reason: superior geographical location, at the mouth of the Rhine River, prosperous business and rich fishery resources. Political stability, encouraging foreign colonial expansion, and less religious disputes. Became the first capitalist country in the world through the Dutch revolution. Advanced shipbuilding technology.

Decline:1early 8th century. Reason: Only pay attention to commerce and finance, ignoring the development of manufacturing industry. The defeat of the anglo-Dutch war. The government is corrupt, and big businessmen generally live in luxury and waste too much.

Main characters: William I, Alden Barnefelt, William II.

Spain

Rise:1end of 5th century to1middle of 6th century. Reason: the nation-state was formed earlier. The government encouraged the opening of new air routes and colonial plunder. The location is excellent. The New World of America provided Spain with a lot of gold and silver. The annexation of Portugal made Spain gain more colonies and navies, and its national strength improved.

Decline:1early 7th century. Reason: Capital is not effectively invested in the development of industry and commerce, but in the endless religious wars and church construction. The depletion of gold and silver mines in the United States. 1588 the failure of the great naval battle.

Main characters: Isabella I, Columbus, Philip I.

Germany

Rise: 65438+from the end of the 9th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Reason: Germany achieved unification and political stability through three dynasty wars, which provided a unified market for economic development. Science and technology are developed, and the economy has developed rapidly through the second industrial revolution. A strong militaristic tradition and a strong military force.

Decline: From World War II to 1990. World War I and World War II were defeated, the national strength declined seriously, the economy collapsed and the country split. Be suppressed by the victorious country.

Main characters: Bismarck, William II and Hitler.

Russia (ups and downs in national strength, not rising but falling)

Rise:1early 8th century to1mid 9th century. Through the reform of Peter the Great, Russia became strong, and the serfdom reform in 186 1 gradually established the capitalist system. Vast territory, rich resources and cold climate are conducive to war. The government encourages learning from the West and invades and expands its territory.

Decline: After World War I, the backward political system and czar's autocratic power hindered economic development. Economic development and backward science and technology. The first world war suffered heavy losses.

Main characters: Peter I, Catherine II, Alexander I, Alexander II.

Rise: early and mid-20th century.

Reason: Through the October Revolution, the socialist system was established and the politics was relatively stable. A highly centralized political and economic system has been established, giving priority to the development of heavy industry, with rapid industrial development and great scientific and technological development. Defeated Nazi Germany and greatly improved its international prestige.

Decline: from the end of the 20th century to the present. The Soviet Union disintegrated. The highly centralized political and economic system can not be corrected, which makes the development of agriculture extremely slow. The people's living standards were so low that they began to be dissatisfied with the rulers. Political corruption and political reform are difficult to achieve.