1870-1890. what is foreign policy? give some examples of foreign policy. typically, what are...
TRANSCRIPT
Germany’s Foreign Policy
under Bismarck 1870-1890
What is foreign policy? Give some examples of foreign policy. Typically, what are countries trying to
achieve with their foreign policy?
Preset:
Contain German nationalism to the boundaries of Germany created in 1871
Stabilize Europe to allow Germany to grow economically – no wars of reprisal◦ Maintain status quo among the Great Powers◦ Keep France and AH from attacking Germany
Prevent Germany from becoming politically/geographically surrounded ◦ Isolate France politically – NO allies ◦ Keep Russia in the German sphere of influence
Protect Germany’s new position of political dominance on the continent
Goals of Bismarck for Germany
Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) Germany annexed Alsace and N. Lorraine
◦ Coal, iron ore, textiles France pay indemnity 5 billion gold francs
◦ German army of occupation until paid Intended to weaken France economically to
prevent military rebuilding
Franco-Prussian War (1870)
Germany, Austria, Russia Three countries agreed to work out political
differences peacefully◦ Not truly an alliance
Isolated France from Austria and Russia Protected Germany’s eastern border Kept Germany from having to choose sides
btwn Austria and Russia ◦ Balkans – area of competition btwn Austria and
Russia
Three Emperors League (1873)“Dreikaiserbund”
Began over rebellions in Balkan provinces ◦ Bosnia-Herzegovina (1875)◦ Serbia and Montenegro (1876)
Russia defeated Turkey◦ Russian intervention motivated by Pan-Slavism
Treaty of San Stefano Gave too much territory to Russia around Black
Sea and straits◦ Allowed for BIG Bulgaria under Russian influence◦ Opposed by Britain and AH
Bismarck called for Conference in Berlin to resolve issues
Russo-Turkish War (1877)
Treaty of San Stefano nullified Russia kept territory south of Caucasus Serbia, Romania, Montenegro independent Bulgaria – still part of Ottoman Empire with
greater autonomy - smaller AH – administer Bosnia-Herzegovina (still
part of OE) GB – island of Cyprus Fr – expand to Tunisia Russia – pulled out of Three Emperors League
Congress of Berlin (1878)
Germany and Austria-Hungary Both would go to war against Russia if one
was attacked by Russia If either partner attacked by different
nation, the other one would remain neutral Bismarck wanted to secure the southern
flank of Germany Wanted insurance against Russia since
Russia dropped out of the Dreikaiserbund Influenced hand in Balkan issues
Dual Alliance (1879)
Tariff against Russian grain imports ◦ Profits from corn exports provided basis for
Russian industrial expansion Further alienates Russia from Germany
Tariff Act of 1879
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia Russia feared diplomatic isolation War with fourth Great Power – powers would remain
neutral with each other Remain neutral if one of the contracting parties wars
with Turkey Recognize each others interests in the Balkans
◦ Agree to consult each other over issues related to the Balkans
Austria conceded to future unified Bulgaria for future annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Russia got the straits and Black Sea closed to warships
Three Emperors Alliance (1881)
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy ◦ Italy upset over French occupation of Tunisia
Germany and Austria-Hungary assist Italy if Italy attacked by France
Italy assist Germany and AH if Germany and AH attacked by two other Great Powers
Raised Italy’s status in sphere of European politics
Triple Alliance (1882)
Divided the region of the Congo between Belgium and France
Congo River – area of free trade Attempt to resolve European differences
created over colonization in Africa Established rules for creating new colonies
in Africa ◦ European powers must occupy territory in order to
claim territory Created the “Scramble for Africa”
Berlin Congress – Africa (1884)
Bismarck initially opposed colonial development – saw “Europe as his Africa”◦ Initially thought colonies waste of money,
resources, and created unnecessary political tension
Why begin to colonize?◦ Kolonialverein – national movement pushed for
colonization◦ Appease industrialists and free-traders –
expansion of foreign markets ◦ Protect foreign markets in Africa and Pacific where
German merchants already active
German Colonial Empire (1884-1885)
German colonies:◦ Togoland ◦ Cameroon◦ German East Africa ◦ German West Africa◦ New Guinea ◦ Pacific islands
Two agreements signed in 1887 Maintain the borders of the Ottoman Empire in the
Mediterranean and Balkans region◦ Great Britain, Italy, Austria-Hungary
GB – protection for Egypt AH and Italy – security for future interests in Balkans
◦ Brokered by Germany Act as a stop against Russian expansion against Ottoman
Empire, aggression against Bulgaria, influence in the Balkans region
Agreed to take military measures to enforce
Mediterranean Agreements (1887)
Germany and Russia Bismarck wanted to avoid Franco-Russia
alliance Germany recognized Russian influence in
Bulgaria ◦ Goes against AH interest in Balkan region
Each remained neutral in a war fought by the other against a third party
Reinsurance Treaty (1887)
EXCEPT: If Germany attacked France If Russia attacked Austria
The Reinsurance Treaty will NOT be renewed after Bismarck dismissed by Wilhelm II
Evaluate the effectiveness of Germany’s foreign policy under Bismarck.
Was he successful in achieving his goals?
Close: