Bismarck’s Foreign Policy 1871- 1890 Unification of Germany 1871- 1890

The New Germany Under Bismarck’s leadership, the new Germany emerged as the dominant power in central Europe. “When Bismarck became prime minister of Prussia in 1862, the kingdom was universally considered the weakest of the five European powers. Less than nine years later Prussia had been victorious in three wars, and a unified German Empire had emerged in the heart of Europe, arousing envy and fear among its rivals. When Bismarck left office in 1890, after 28 years as prime minister of Prussia and 19 as chancellor of the German Empire, the map of Europe had been changed beyond measure. The European centre, characterized by a weak conglomeration of small and medium-sized states for centuries, was now home to the foremost military and industrial power on the Continent.” ~ Historian Kenneth Barkin

Aims of Bismarck's Foreign Policy Bismarck’s aims for Germany’s foreign policy would have been somewhat surprising for his contemporaries. Bismarck claimed that, upon achieving his goal of unification, Germany was a “satiated” power, eager to consolidate their position of international power and move forward with a specific domestic agenda. To this end, Bismarck had 3 goals for German foreign policy. 1. Replace Austrian as the voice of Germany in the minds of all European powers. 2. Contain and isolate France. 3. Maintain the borders and stability of the new Reich.

Aims Bismarck was certain that any attempt to extend Germany’s frontiers would unite other powers against it France seemed the main threat- However France without allies was not a danger War on two fronts needed to be avoided Russia and Austria’s relationship was always a concern- “the Eastern Question”

The Balkans Three major problems- the state of Turkish rule in the Balkans, numerous races co-existed in a state of mutual hatred and the Slav people were becoming fiercely nationalistic Russia and the Slavs- moral obligation to aid Christian Slavs, and the “straits” Austria opposed Russian expansion in the east, therefore sought to maintain the Ottoman Empire Bismarck and the Balkans “an area not worth the bones of a single Pomeranian Musketeer”

The Three Emperor’s League Austria (afraid, very afraid)- 1873- Dreikaiserbund Somewhat vague term agreement- common enemies of republicanism and socialism, consult on common interests

1875- War in Sight After 1871 France- very much looking for revenge Rapid re-militarization, prompt repayment of the war indemnity- 1873 end of German occupation Bismarck, never one to leave anything alone, prompted a crisis- 1875 prohibited the export of horses to France What was he expecting?

1875- War in Sight Russia and Britain supported France- forcing Bismarck to assure the powers he was not looking for another war Diplomatic victory for France This occurred at the same time as the Kulturkampf was failing dramatically

The Balkans The Balkan Crisis 1875- 1878 Create a brief timeline- for each date, describe the nature of the event and explain its historical significance for German foreign policy in the post-unification era. How did the weakening of the Ottoman Empire lead to the outbreak of the Eastern Crisis? Why did the Turkish response to the uprising in their empire lead to Russian intervention in the region? Identify and explain the significance of the Treaty of San Stefano? What was Bismarck’s solution to the crisis created by the Treaty of San Stefano? What was the impact of the Congress of Berlin on German international relations?

The Dual Alliance The Congress of Berlin would have a lasting impact on Germany’s relationship with Russia. The Eastern Crisis destroyed Russian confidence in Germany as a partner with like interests. Problem for Bismarck. If Russia began to self-identify as an enemy of Germany Bismarck believed that they would seek to partner with France in order to force Germany to their will. The time had come to create a specific military alliance that would protect Germany- hello Austria, my old friend

The Dual Alliance In October 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary created a defensive alliance known as the Dual Alliance. ~ The alliance stipulated that if either power were attacked by Russia the other would provide military support in defense of their ally. ~ If either power were attacked by another nation, their ally would remain neutral What the hell is he thinking…

Three Emperor’s Alliance Russia- alarmed at Germany’s plans, and not at all interested in allying itself with France- turns back to Germany Bismarck pressure, problems with Alexander II and Alexander III, Austrian weakness= a new alliance Secret Treaty

Three Emperor’s Alliance The Alliance: If Russia, Germany and Austria were at war with another power, the others would remain neutral Keep the Black Sea closed to foreign warships Divide the Balkans into “spheres of influence”; eastern portion- Russia, Western portion, Austria Austria allows for the creation of Big Bulgaria, Russia allows for the annexation of Bosnia by Austria…fast forward to June 29 1914