Otto von bismarck

The Fall of Bismarck - a 'Diplomatic Revolution'

By Thay
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    The fall of Bismarck - 'A Diplomatic Revolution'

  • Coronation of Kaiser Wilhelm II

    Coronation of Kaiser Wilhelm II
    For 20 years Germany enjoyed peace and security under the alliance system Bismarck had created. This was to change in 1988 when Whilhelm II was crowned Emperor.

  • Weltpolitik

    Weltpolitik
    Alliance system part 1The young Kaiser was outspoken and passonate about issues and clashed with Bismarck on almost everything. He refered to Bismarck as the 'national monument'.

    Bismarck wanted Germany to stay a 'land-based' European power with a strong army.

    Wilhelm wanted Germany to follow his world policy Weltpolitik. This would mean Germany would become a world power with a large colonial empire and a huge navy to protect it.

  • Bismarcks resignation

    Bismarcks resignation
    The Kaiser forced Bismarck to resign.

  • Reinsurance Treaty Ends

    Reinsurance Treaty Ends
    How important was the Reinsurance Treaty?Within days of Bismarcks resignation the Kaiser was persuaded not to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. He believed that his close relationship with the Tsar would be enough of a commitment and felt that a more formal agreement would stop the British from forming a relationship with Germany.

    By not renewing the treaty the way was paved for an anti-German alliance between Russia and France.

  • France and Russia 'get it on'

    Alliance system 2France and Russia begin to make friendly contact. They made a preliminary agreement to contact each other in case of aggression against one of them.

  • France and Russia and the military

    France and Russia and the military
    Aliiance system 3Within a year they had strengthened their relationship to a military convention. France began to pour an enormous amount of foreign investment into Russia to foster her economic and military growth.

  • Dual Entente

    Dual Entente
    Alliance system 4The secret Dual Entente was formed between France and Russia. They promised each other support if either were to be attacked by either Germany or Austria-Hungary.
    Bismarcks worst fears had come true. Germany had lost an ally in Russia and France was no longer isolated. The Balance of Power had ended and five of Europes Great Powers were beginning to split into two rival camps.