By 1900, several European nations were experiencing demands for democratic reforms and increased industrialization:
1) France established a republic in 1875 with a president and two-house legislature, though the premier actually ran the government and was responsible to the popularly elected chamber.
2) Germany had a two-house legislature but ministers were responsible to the emperor, not parliament, and Bismarck sought to stifle democracy through foreign expansion.
3) Russia began industrializing under Nicholas II but faced calls for reforms, leading to his granting of civil liberties and the creation of the Duma legislature.
