European Diplomacy & WW1 Germany 1871-1890 Bismarck’s Foreign Policy To what extent did Bismarck achieve his aims in foreign policy? Lowe & Pearce ‘Rivalry & Accord’ Chapter 2

Background Germany’s victory over France in 1871 followed the defeat of Denmark and Austria. Germany was the dominant military power in Europe. This upset the ‘balance of power’. Considerable fear of Germany pursuing and aggressive foreign policy.

Bismarck’s View: Germany had no further expansionist designs. Germany was a ‘satiated’ state (satisfied). A Prussian-dominated Germany now needed protecting. Best guarantee was a peaceful Europe

Threats & Problems French War of Revenge Austro-Russian Conflict Peaceful Reassurances

Solutions – Foreign Policy Isolate France & ‘balance discontents’ Reduce Austro-Russian friction in Balkans Diplomacy to give reassurance of peaceful intent

Key Events - Analysis What are the important details of each event? ‘Dreikaiserbund’ October 1873 ‘War in Sight’ Crisis 1875 Balkan Crisis 1875-8 The Congress of Berlin 1878 The Dual Alliance 1879 Three Emperor’s Alliance 1881 The Triple Alliance 1882 Reinsurance Treaty & Mediterranean Agreements 1887 Wilhelm II becomes Kaiser 1888 What are the important details of each event? Do the details provide evidence for success or failure of Bismarck’s FP? Write a conclusion to the ‘essay title’.