1898: THE IMPERIAL WORLD

In the year 1898  the Victorian Age were soon to be ended, and the global imperialism stood on its highest peak ever.
The imperial powers dominated the international politics completely; and the old world policed the high seas all over the entire globe.
A brief definition of what imperialism means can be found here.

Independent states still existed, but the world was essentially gained by 12 empires.

Spain

United Kingdom

Portugal

Belgium

Netherlands

France

Russia

Japan

Germany

Italy

Turkey

Austria

Soon a whole lot of changes would make their marks on history; but by 1898 the old world seemed absolute invincible and cast in steel.
The United States was at this time in history a strong and respected federation, but they could not challenge the old imperial worldorder.
France, Great Britain, Russia and Germany were all more than a match for the United States.