After German unification, Otto von Bismarck attempted to preserve Germany’s security by isolating France and maintaining a balance among European powers.
Aims of Bismarckian Diplomacy
- Prevent a war on two fronts.
- Keep France diplomatically isolated.
- Maintain peace while Germany consolidated its power.
- Manage rivalry between Austria-Hungary and Russia.
Alliance Arrangements
Bismarck supported agreements involving Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia and Italy. The system included the Dual Alliance and Triple Alliance, while Russia later moved toward France.
Collapse
The resignation of Bismarck in 1890 weakened his balancing policy. Kaiser Wilhelm II adopted a more assertive foreign policy, and rival alliances became more rigid.
Importance
The alliance system divided Europe into opposing camps. A crisis involving one power could therefore draw many states into war.
