The creation of the alliance systems Bismarck and his foreign policy

1870 was a turning point in international relations  France defeated  Britain in « splendid isolation »  Bismarck wants to keep France isolated (why?)  Wants to keep friends with Austria and Russia  Build up an alliance system to suit Germany

Bismarck was successful until 1890 But it was difficult to keep Russia happy!

Dealing with France  Treaty of Frankfurt 1871  By 1873 indemnity paid off – army of occupation leaves.  1875 war in sight crisis  Russia warns Germany to stop!

Dreikaiserbund 1872  Germany, Austria & Russia  Verbal agreement to help each other against socialist revolution,  discuss international issues  and the Eastern Question

The Eastern Question  The problems in the Balkans  Ottoman empire weak  Slav peoples want their independence  Russia wants to help them  Russia wants Constantinople  This worries – Austria & Britain

Near Eastern crisis  Revolts against the Ottomans  Bulgarian massacres  Russia helps out  Treaty of San Stefano – « big Bulgaria » created

The congress of Berlin 1878  Russia forced to agree to a small Bulgaria  Austrians get protectorate over Bosnia and Herzegovina

What was Bismarck up to? RRRRevenge! The war in sight crisis! SSSSupporting Russia did not appear a good idea! WWWWants to keep friendly with Aust and Br WWWWants to get an alliance with Aust CCCControl Austrian policy in the Balkans IIIIncrease German influence in Turkey

The Dual Alliance 1879  Congress of Berlin led to this  Austria would be neutral if Germany and France fought.  Austria would help out if two countries attacked Germany.  Austria would help if Russia attacked Germany.

The Triple Alliance 1881  Italy joined Austria and Germany.  France took Tunis (Bismarck encouraged this) but Italy angry.  Aust, Ger & Italy would help each other if one were attacked by TWO other powers.  BUT Italy would not have to join a fight including Britain.

The Dreikaiserbund treaty 1881  Renewed the old Dreikaiserbund  German neutrality if Russia at war with a fourth party! Britain!  Russia would not support France in a war involving Ger and Aust.  Russia could re create the big Bulgaria sometime.  Austria could keep Bosnia & Herzegovina sometime.  Treaty ran out in 1887

Trouble in the Balkans  Revolt in Eastern Rumelia – it joins with Bulgaria  Bulgaria declares independence – and throw out the Russians!  A German prince is elected king.  Russia is furious  France – Boulanger – ally with Russia

Russia refuses to renew Dreikaiserbund Bismarck is terrified – will Russia and France ally?

The secret Reinsurance treaty 1887  Secret agreements – why?  Russia to have main influence in the Balkans  Germany would be neutral in a war with a third power ( Russia said the same).  BUT clause not active if Ger attacked France OR Russia attacked Austria

So Bismarck had got friendly with Russia again! But the secrecy shows how hard it is becoming!

1890 A new German kaiser takes over Bismarck is dismissed. Who can handle the diplomacy now?