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

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.

3. 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

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

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

6. Key Events - Analysis What are the important details of each event?
‘Dreikaiserbund’ October 1873
‘War in Sight’ Crisis 1875
Balkan Crisis
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’.