Article:
Otto Von Bismarck's Foreign Policy
Otto Von Bismarck was the Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890. During his tenure,
Bismarck implemented an aggressive foreign policy in order to unify Germany and secure
Germany's position as a dominant power in Europe.
Bismarck's foreign policy was based on the following principles:
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Maintaining the balance of power in Europe: Bismarck believed that Germany needed
to maintain the balance of power in Europe in order to prevent war.
Expanding Germany's influence: Bismarck wanted to expand Germany's influence in
Europe and the world.
Protecting Germany's security: Bismarck wanted to protect Germany from external
threats.
Bismarck used a variety of strategies, including treaties and wars, to achieve his goals in
foreign policy.
Treaties
Bismarck believed that treaties were a valuable tool for securing Germany's interests and
maintaining the balance of power in Europe. Some of the important treaties that he
negotiated include:
Three Emperors' League (1873): This treaty was an alliance between Germany, Russia, and
Austria-Hungary. It was designed to prevent France from isolating Germany.
Triple Alliance (1882): This treaty was an alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and
Italy. It was designed to counter the growing power of Russia.
Reinsurance Treaty (1887): This was a secret treaty between Germany and Russia. It was
designed to maintain the peace between the two countries and prevent a war.
Wars
Bismarck was not afraid to use war to achieve his goals. He believed that war was a
necessary evil in order to protect Germany's interests and ensure its survival. He led Prussia
to victory in two major wars:
Austro-Prussian War (1866): This war resulted in the defeat of Austria and the exclusion of
Austria from the German Confederation. Prussia emerged from this war as the dominant
power in Germany.
Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): This war resulted in the defeat of France and the
unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.
Bismarck's use of treaties and wars was successful in achieving his goals of unifying
Germany, making it a dominant power in Europe, and protecting its security. However, his
policies also caused tension in Europe and led to the outbreak of World War I.
References:
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Bismarck, Otto von. The Memoirs of the Chancellor of Germany, Otto von Bismarck.
Translated by A. J. Butler. London: Macmillan and Co., 1898.
Craig, Gordon A. Germany, 1866-1945: From the Rise of Bismarck to the Fall of Hitler.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1978.
Holborn, Hajo. A History of Modern Germany: The Nineteenth Century. Princeton,
N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1969.
Questions:
1. What was the main goal of Otto von Bismarck's foreign policy? [1]
To maintain the balance of power in Europe, expand Germany's influence, and protect
Germany's security.
2. What were two of the strategies that Otto von Bismarck used to achieve his goals?
explain [2]
Treaties and wars
3. Explain one of the impacts of Otto von Bismarck's foreign policy? [2]
Secured Germany's position as a dominant power in Europe.
4. What lessons can be learned from the Three Emperors' League and the Triple Alliance
about the dangers of alliances? [3]
Alliances can be dangerous as you never know what the opposition is thinking.
5. Do you think Otto von Bismarck's foreign policy was successful? Why or why not? [3]
I believe his policy is successful because it has survived many alliances, conflicts and
treaties.