Nationalism. Bismarck used this one word, an overpowering emotion at times, to create a fiery desire for a unified state in the heart of all German people, who were intensely passionate about having their own unified state. Once that state was built, – by encouraging the southern states into Germany by war against France - nationalist activities followed, many inflaming a strong dislike toward Germany by the other European countries. Germany's Acquisition of Alsace-Loraine, the Berlin to Baghdad railway and the Pan-German League angered France and Britain due to their own nationalism. These nationalistic conflicts from 1871 to 1914 turned out to cause a stressful air over Europe, and were very dangerous, as they could have evolved into a Great War with the slightest nudge.
             The original desire for Germany to become unified was placed into effect by Bismarck, who wanted more that anything for Germany to unite as one. Although the southern states did not want to unite, Bismarck signed a treaty with them that so that if either section went into battle against France, they would unite immediately, and Germany would fight together. Bismarck caused this by editing a telegram – the E.M.S. Dispatch - that would insult France and because of France's nationalism, she went into the Franco-Prussian war in 1875. She was soundly defeated and never forgot what Germany had done. This war was the lead up to the many nationalist movements from 1871 forward.
             Bismarck, while still in office, wanted to create for Germany an Alliance system, so he formed the Three Emperors League between itself (Germany), Russia, and Austria-Hungary. In 1873, Russia signed with Germany that if either were attacked by a third power, the other would mobilize 200 000 troops, and Russia also signed with Austria-Hungary, for common aid if either were attacked by a third power. This alliance ends when Russia is angered by Austria-Hungary...