Outbreak of WW1
It was Otto Von Bismarck's dream of a German empire that really got the ball rolling towards world war one. In 1862, Bismarck was chosen foreign minister of Prussia and from there he defeated the Austrians and the French where he gained much territory (states) which clearly caused much tension through Western Europe, and created Bismarck's German empire.From there, Bismarck realised that the French would desire "la revanche" for their crushing defeats against Prussia and for that reason created the new foreign policy to isolate France. This is where the alliance system really got out of control.He first created the Three Emperors' League in 1873; this consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia. And was basically an agreement to confer with each other about international importance and to keep on the fence if attacked by any other nation ou
"Otto Von Bismarck The Germans realising the importance of Russia (being one of their most important allies) swiftly negotiated a reinsurance treaty between themselves and Russia. In 1882 the alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary was expanded into a triple alliance and Italy joined. In 1887 the Russians turned down the Three Emperors' League because of the tension still between Austria-Hungary and themselves. Bismarck did not have much confidence in the Russians and formed stronger ties with the Austria-Hungarians and in 1879 the Dual Alliance was signed in secret. The treaty stated that the countries would stay neutral if they were attacked by another country. With the Russians being thin on allies and feeling isolated they turned to France and formed the Dual Entente in 1891. This was a very brave move which really could have caused a huge amount of hostility in Europe, but the alliance continued until WWI. But what destroyed the chance of the two nations becoming allies were Germany's plans to build a fleet that could match the English. This was a very risky move by the Germans because it would not only cause tension between the Russians and the Germans but they weren't assured England would become an ally, meaning the isolation of France was weakened if not destroyed. They both agreed if either was attacked by Russia they would be helped and to stay non-aligned if attacked by another country. But Bismarck's hard work was unravelled with the German Kaiser William II wanting to create his own foreign policy and simplify the complex alliances that Bismarck had worked so hard to maintain. The only real problem with this alliance was the on edge attitude between Austria-Hungary and Russia who both had interests in controlling the Balkan region. It then expanded again with Romania joining in 1883 and Turkey joining in 1914. "The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia. Bismarck's plan to isolate France was successful with Germany now having alliances with two of the five "great European powers" (the other two being England and France).
Common topics in this essay:
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Austria-Hungary Russia,
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Acceptance Essays
