Bismarck Abroad:Germany’s Foreign Policy 1871-1890

Anton von Werner, The Proclamation of the German Empire (January 18, 1871)(1877)

1880-82

(1885)

Forging German Unity (c. 1880)

Make Germany strong Keep France weak Keep ties w/Austria &

Russia while not allowing either to emerge as a threat

Not compete with Great Britain

Build an overseas empire

What Were Bismarck’s Foreign Policy Aims?

"Prussia’s New Coat of Arms“

(August 30, 1871)

Bismarck negotiated a series of alliances to maintain the balance of power in his favor

Three Emperors’ League (Dreikaisersbund) (1872) —Germany, Austria-Hungary & Russia—opposed France & other “liberal” governments in W. Europe

Dual Alliance (1879)—Germany & Austria-Hungary pledged to aid each other if Russia or France attacked

Triple Alliance (1882)—Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy pledged to aid each other if 2 other countries (Russia and France) attacked

Reinsurance Treaty (1887)—Germany & Russia—secret treaty targeted Austria-Hungary & France after Three Emperors’ League fell apart

Bismarck’s Alliance System, 1872-1890

Bismarck’s Alliance System, 1872-1890

•Bismarck decided to join the race for colonies only in 1884-85

• public opinion demanded it• it increased Germany’s prestige

•He focused on colonizing strategically, to block British & French & keep balance of power•But Bismarck was never an avid imperialist, as he saw the dangers of overextending Germany

German Overseas Empire (c. 1910)

"Bismarck Unmasked" (1879)

Born 27 Jan 1859 to Crown Prince Fredrick Wilhelm (son of Wilhelm I) & Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria of Great Britain)

Born with withered left arm & a quick temper; psychologically damaged

Drawn to the military & alienated from his “liberal” parents by their opponents

Bismarck took him under his wing in his teens, prepared him for power

Kaiser Wilhelm II: Background

Wilhelm I died in 1888 and Fredrick III after 99 days

June 15th 1888 he became Kaiser Wilhelm II

Bismarck and Wilhelm clashed over policies

Kulturkampf Anti-Socialist law Foreign policy & imperialism

Wilhelm and Bismarck argued at Bismarck’s estate in 1890

Wilhelm felt Bismarck was old and out of touch

Wilhelm asked for and received Bismarck’s resignation

Kaiser Wilhelm II Breaks with Bismarck