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1908: Based on an arrangement with Russia, Austriaannexes Bosnia and Herzegovina. This disruptsSerbia's plans for a Greater Serbia including the two provinces. Britainand Francethwart Russia's gain of the promised access to the Dardanelles andBosporus straits.Austriadenies any secret arrangements and the Balkan fuse is set to explode as World War I. Today: With the collapse of Yugoslavia, Balkan provinces again struggle for control. At the close of the twentieth century,Serbiahas been isolated for its attempt to annex and ethnically cleanse Kosovo. 1908: Before it annexes Hawaii in 1898 and colonizes the Philippinesa year later, the United Statespossesses a military just capable of dealing with indigenous tribes, the Mexican army, and Spain. America's stance is defensive, although the world powers know that theUnited Stateshas the capacity as soon as it finds the will. Today: The United Stateshas the largest military-industrial complex in the world. On paper, theUnited Statescan fight two full-fledged wars simultaneously. This military might is matched by a consumer and financial base that dominates global markets. 1908: The West views Chinaas a source of riches so long as the country can be controlled. Today: The view of Chinaby the West has not changed. The United Stateshopes to edge out its competitors and gain preferred access toChina's vast population for its goods and services. 1908: Europe and the United Statesaccount for nearly all industrial production. Europe depends on Africa, Asia, and theAmericasfor its raw materials and food.Europe begins industrializing its colonies by building railways, mining centers, and factories. Today: Europe and the United Stateslead the world in finance, service, and legislative sectors but have given up ground in manufacturing and production. 1908: The heterosexual ceremony of marriage allows no mutations. Due to industrialization, women and men can choose to be single. In addition, the social atmosphere allows nontradi-tional relationships. Today: The Big Three automotive companies in the United Stateshave extended spousal health-care benefits to their gay employees. Homosexual marriage, meanwhile, is gaining acceptance in parts of the West.
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