The alliance system without Bismarck

KAISER Wilhelm II

Wilhelm II dismisses Bismarck Dropping the pilot Reinsurance treaty NOT renewed Bismarck’s alliance system falls apart. Other countries make their own alliance system!

BUT The Triple alliance remains in place

The Kaiser goes his own way Claimed a “place in the sun’ for Germany Refused to renew the reinsurance treaty with Russia (what do the Russians fear?) German Naval laws (what do the British fear)

France, Russia and Britain take fright

Creation of the Triple Entente Relations between Russia and France get better 1892 military agreement Dual Entente 1894 (Bismarck’s worst nightmare)

The entente cordiale 1904 Britain and France – Entente Cordiale 1904 Discussions on naval issues. By 1912 British navy withdraws from Mediterranean, French navy from the Channel.

Triple Entente 1907 Britain signs entente with Russia Not a military alliance BUT does make it likely that Britain will support them in event of war.

Europe divided into two armed camps Triple Alliance Germany Austria-Hungary Italy Triple Entente Britain France Russia