Bismarck's Foreign Policy Notes
Bismarck's Foreign Policy Notes
Bismarck's Foreign Policy Notes
New powerful united Germany had profound effect on balance of power in Europe.
He now realised that a powerful united Germany could not fight a continental war.
For the next 19 years, his foreign policy was governed by a desire to avoid war at all
costs.
She further feared Germany would renew hostilities against Austria and France to
gain more power.
Need to keep France isolated led to Bismarck keeping on good terms with Austria
and Russia.
A difficult task since Austria and Russia clashed over the Balkans; Bismarck
hoped the communal friendship would ease this tension.
Developing animosity with France
In 1875, War-in-sight crisis resulted from an attempt to bully France into abandoning
her rearmament programme - Bismarck caused a diplomatic crisis.
Bismarck expected other powers to pressure France, forcing her to abandon military
expansion.
An article which appeared in influential paper Berliner Post, entitled Is war in sight?
was inspired by Bismarck.
Britain and Russia supported France - Russia backed a British protest to Berlin.
Bismarck was forced to offer assurances that Germany was not planning another war.
Brought home dangers of a two front war to Bismarck and he proceeded with caution
from then on.
The Dreikaiserbund
The League of the Three Emperors was formed in 1873 between Germany, Austria
and Russia.
Ensured co-operation between eastern powers rather than rivalry - Bismarcks main
objective.
Was renewed in 1881, since Russia was worried by her diplomatic isolation and
sought an understanding with Germany and Austria.
Western Balkans would be dominated by the Austrians, and the Eastern half by
the Russians.
In the Balkans there was a series of revolts against the Ottoman Empire (among the
Sultans Christian subjects) between 1875 and 1876.
The Russo-Turkish war thus broke out in 1877 after attempts to impose reforms on
the Turkish Empire failed.
Before the war, Russia had promised Austria she would not create a big Bulgaria if
victorious.
When the Turks surrendered, they signed the Treaty of San Stefano in March
which proposed a big Bulgaria to be dominated by Russia.
Outraged Britain (threat to Suez canal) and Austria (Russia had broken her
promise).
The fact the congress took place in Berlin was a sign of Germanys new power and
Bismarcks prestige.
Crucially big Bulgaria was divided into three, Bulgaria was granted independence
under Russian supervision and Austria gained Bosnia-Herzegovina.
However, Russia felt the victim of a diplomatic defeat - she had done most of the
fighting yet Britain and France had taken the major spoils.
It would secure Germanys southern border if war broke out with Russia.
It committed both countries to resist Russian aggression AND each power would
remain neutral in anothers war (as long as Russia was not involved).
1885-87, Bulgarian crisis saw relations between Austria and Russia deteriorate.
1887 marked final end of Dreikaiserbund - Russia made it clear she would not sign
another agreement with Austria.
A defensive alliance; Germany would stay neutral if Austria attacked Russia AND
Russia would stay neutral if France attacked Germany.
A diplomatic masterpiece.
1888 terms were published: Germany would support Austria in the case of a Russian
invasion, but Austria would fight on her own if she chose to invade Russia.
Only four months later, French naval garrisons called at Kronstadt (Russian naval
base).
Colonial expansion could mean disputes with Britain, with whom he wanted to remain
on good terms.
Pressure for colonies from press and public mounted, fuelled by visions of a channel
for German emigration and vast wealth.
1884-5, Germany acquired Togo, the Cameroons, German East Africa and South West
Africa.
Berlin Conference in 1884 settled many colonial disputes, as well as prohibiting the slave
trade.
During the same period Bismarck also encourage French colonial expansion.
He hoped this would involve the French in disputes with other countries, and reduce
the ill-feeling over Alsace and Lorraine.
By 1886, Bismarck (the reluctant imperialist) turned his attention back to Europe.
Crucially, not a totally successful policy. The colonies did not hold wealth and were not
well developed, and the idea to push French colonialism could not appease her
European gripes.