BISMARCK’S FOREIGN POLICY
1871- 1890
Unification of Germany 1871- 1890
The New Germany
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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
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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
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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
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Austria (afraid, very afraid)- 1873- Dreikaiserbund
Somewhat vague term agreement- common enemies
of republicanism and socialism, consult on common
interests
1875- War in Sight
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 portionRussia, 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