1. Austro-German Alliance:
1.1. After Russia leaving the League, Germany needed to strengthen relationships with other Euro nations.
1.1.1. The Austro-German alliance was signed in 1879, known as the dual alliance. The agreement was secretive. The sides would come to each others aid if something went wrong.
1.1.1.1. Italy joined the agreement, Making it the Triple Alliance. Italy had a dispute with France.
2. New Dreikeiserband:
2.1. Tsar Alexander II was assassinated, leading Alexander III to take over. He wanted to resume talks between Germany and Russia.
2.1.1. Agreement was signed between Germany, AH and Russia in 1881. Nations agreed that if one of the three powers got into conflict, the other 2 would stay neutral.
2.1.1.1. Russia dropped the treaty in 1887, but a nnew treaty (Reinsurance Treaty) was signed in 1888.
2.1.1.1.1. Russia needed Economic support, which France offered. Germany and Russia had a strained relationship but France and Russia were new allies.
3. Colonies:
3.1. Bismarck was not a fan of colonies. He thought of them to be expensive luxuries.
3.1.1. In order to please Colonists, Germany developed impressive colonies in Africa.
3.1.1.1. He le left the french alone in Africa, as if they were focused on their colonies, they wouldn't be focused on Europe.
3.1.1.2. Bismarck did not want to mess with the English, so he did not increase navy.
4. Dreikeiserband:
4.1. Formed between Germany Austria-Hungary and Russia.
4.1.1. Goal was to keep status quo in power, rejecting socialism. Also wanted to Isolate France.
4.1.1.1. No Military obligations were outlined in the treaty. Gave stability to the involved nations, so they could focus on internal affairs.
5. Congress of Berlin:
5.1. Russia defeated the Turks in the Russo Turk War.
5.1.1. Bismarck wanted to maintain peace so he acted as a mediator. Hosting Congress of Berlin 1870
5.1.1.1. Congress agreed to reduce the size of Bulgaria. Russia thought that the Congress was embarrassing to them.
5.1.1.1.1. Tsar lost faith in German-Russian relations so decided to pull out of Dreikeiserbund.