Was the pattern of Alliances in Europe from 1879-1907 shaped primarily around Germany's concerns for it's security?
“The pattern of alliances and agreements formed in Europe in the years 1879-1907 was shaped primarily by Germany’s concerns about its security’
Germany became a formidable power in Europe after its unification in 1871. This power shift meant that Germany was a key player in the international politics of the time. With multiple crises occurring in the region, and tensions between countries growing, needs for alliances and agreements grew. The Dual Alliance, Three Emperors Alliance, Triple Alliance, Mediterranean Agreement, Reinsurance Treaty, Franco-Russian Alliance, Entente Cordiale and Anglo-Russian Entente were the major diplomatic policies formed during 1879-1900. By focusing on the threats Germany faced and how the alliances related to them it is obvious that the pattern of alliances in Europe were primarily shaped around Germany’s concerns for its security.
Germany was a new country, having being unified under the guidance of Otto von Bismarck in 1871, after the defeat of Austria in 1866, and France in 1871. The years following the confederation of the previous 39 Germanic states were times of change. Not only had a new, stronger country been created, threatening other empires, but the balance of power also shifted. Germany’s army of conscripted soldiers, its strong economy and large, nationalistic population, meant the country was, overall, very powerful. However, it was faced with threats, including its geographic position in central Europe, which needed new tactics to forestall.
Prior to his dismissal in 1890, The German Chancellor, Bismarck, was responsible for the formation of the majority of alliances. Bismarck was intent on keeping Germany as a unified country, which could only be achieved by assuring its safety from military defeat. The Iron Chancellor feared internal conflict due to multiple nationalities, and the Catholic Church due to its devotion to the Pope rather than the state. But what Bismarck feared most was the possibility of
Germany became a formidable power in Europe after its unification in 1871. This power shift meant that Germany was a key player in the international politics of the time. With multiple crises occurring in the region, and tensions between countries growing, needs for alliances and agreements grew. The Dual Alliance, Three Emperors Alliance, Triple Alliance, Mediterranean Agreement, Reinsurance Treaty, Franco-Russian Alliance, Entente Cordiale and Anglo-Russian Entente were the major diplomatic policies formed during 1879-1900. By focusing on the threats Germany faced and how the alliances related to them it is obvious that the pattern of alliances in Europe were primarily shaped around Germany’s concerns for its security.
Germany was a new country, having being unified under the guidance of Otto von Bismarck in 1871, after the defeat of Austria in 1866, and France in 1871. The years following the confederation of the previous 39 Germanic states were times of change. Not only had a new, stronger country been created, threatening other empires, but the balance of power also shifted. Germany’s army of conscripted soldiers, its strong economy and large, nationalistic population, meant the country was, overall, very powerful. However, it was faced with threats, including its geographic position in central Europe, which needed new tactics to forestall.
Prior to his dismissal in 1890, The German Chancellor, Bismarck, was responsible for the formation of the majority of alliances. Bismarck was intent on keeping Germany as a unified country, which could only be achieved by assuring its safety from military defeat. The Iron Chancellor feared internal conflict due to multiple nationalities, and the Catholic Church due to its devotion to the Pope rather than the state. But what Bismarck feared most was the possibility of