2 Verbs to Use for the Word blocs

Instead of cooperating to gain their declared objectives of peace, prosperity and progress these two power blocs engaged in an armament race from 1903 to 1914, leading up to general war in 1914, with a second general war between the rivals in 1939.

"The professors at the universities, taken en bloc, were one of the most violent elements in the nation."

2 Verbs to Use for the Word  blocs