Startin even before 1914, what means could a european country use to build up a strong military?

Starting even before 1914, the means that a European country use to build up a strong military would be recruiting men and training them, as well as increasing the budget for the military in order to purchase for their weapons. For example, some countries built or bought ships to scare the other countries and to demonstrate power.

C. congress was able to pay debts run up in the war