Final answer:
If France had remained at peace, it might have further grown economically and politically as a major European democratic power, continuing its rivalry with Germany and nurturing its deep-seated desire for revenge against past humiliations, potentially affecting the continental balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
If France had remained at peace, it is plausible to surmise that the country would have continued to develop economically and politically as a major European power. By 1914, France was the largest Democratic country in Europe, with a prosperous economy and an extensive overseas empire that ranked second to that of Britain. This prosperity came despite political instability and the rise and fall of coalition governments within France.
The nation's position on the continental stage, however, was precarious due to challenges including the rivalry with a burgeoning German industrial power and a lingering desire to avenge the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. These dynamics contributed to tensions that would eventually contribute to the outbreak of World War One. France's commitment to international peace while maintaining a balance of power in Europe was a diplomatic effort that aimed to prevent any one state, particularly France after the Napoleonic era, from becoming too dominant and threatening the established order. This approach to international relations was seen as key to preventing major conflicts and ensuring the stability of the European continent.