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Three Emperor’s League (1873) Committed William I (Germany), Alexander II (Russia), and Franz Joseph (Austria Hungary) to consult one another before attacking any nation so that the maintenance of peace in Europe might be secured, and if necessary be enforced against attack from any quarter. Made Germany 1 of 3 (out of 5) major powers. Isolated France Flaw: Did not resolve conflicts between Austria & Russia I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Kaiser Wilhelm I, Alexander II, & Franz Joseph I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Goals of the Franco-Prussian War Indemnity on the French Cripple the French economy and keep the French in line by means of an occupying army until the war debt was paid. The debt was paid by September 1873, so Germany was forced to withdraw from France. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal So you’re telling me that George Bush didn’t think up the concept of a Pre-Emptive Strike? Shut UP!! After the German military withdrew, the French sought to restore their monarchy, increase their military power, recover its lost provinces,* and restore its glory. The French passed legislation to increase the size of its army As a result, the German General Staff began to seriously discuss a pre-emptive strike against the French. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Results of Pre-Emption Talks The French sought diplomatic support from Britain and Russia Berlin backed down Bismarck learned that Germany could not use the threat of war as a tactic because its power was too great for the other states to permit it to grow further. He also realized that the 3 Emperor’s League was too weak. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal The Third Rome Russia envisioned itself the leader and protector of Orthodox Christianity after the fall of Constantinople. Since 1453 Russia had fought 8 wars vs. Turkey and had gained a great deal of territory. Russia had also earned the devotion of the Slavic Christians in the Balkans. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Ultimately the League Failed due to the Eastern Crisis of 1875 - 1878 Many Slavic nations wanted their freedom from Austria-Hungary Their claims for freedom were supported by Russia; so the British were nervous about the Ottoman Empire breaking up and the increase in Russian influence in the Balkans (the Straits). In 1877 Russia and Rumania declared war on Turkey; defeated them and almost took Constantinople. But warnings from Austria and Britain persuaded Russia to halt and make peace with the Turks. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Eastern Crisis Resolved by the Treaty of San Stefano Turkey was basically driven from Europe as Serbia, Montenegro, and Rumania each gained independence and additional territory. Russia gained Dobrudja (and later traded it to Rumania for Bessarabia – which had been lost in the Crimean War - and a second round draft pick) and lands in the Caucasus east of the Black Sea. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Eastern Crisis Resolved by the Treaty of San Stefano Most troubling of all was the creation of a very large Bulgaria running from the Black Sea almost to the Adriatic and from the Danube to the Aegean. European powers feared that this new state, secured by Russian arms and occupied by Russian troops, would become a Russian satellite along with the other newly independent Balkan states. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Why All the Fuss? The Austrians were also upset that they did not receive Bosnia and Herzogovenia, as had been promised at Reichstadt. The British felt the agreement threatened their control of the eastern Mediterranean, so they rejected the treaty, as did Austria. Minister Disraeli sent a fleet to the Dardanelles to force the Russians to an international peace conference to reconsider the treaty. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Why All the Fuss? Fearing war w/ Britain & Austria, Tsar Alexander agreed. Russia wanted Germany to hold back Austria as payback for Russian neutrality in the AustroPrussian & Franco-Prussian wars, but Bismarck refused for fear that war between Russia and Austria would destroy Austria, and thereby eliminate the balance of power. Bismarck offered instead to serve as a mediator, an “honest broker” at a general conference to be held in Berlin. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal The Congress of Berlin (1878) The Russians were forced to accept major revisions to the Treaty of San Stefano The British got Cyprus from Turkey and the right to bring their Navy through the Straits into the Black Sea. Disraeli gloriously proclaimed to have brought “peace with honor.”** Austria earned the right to administer Bosnia and Herzogovenia, and the understanding that it could annex them at will. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal The Congress of Berlin (1878) Bulgaria was divided into 3 sections; the northern part became Bulgaria and paid an annual tribute to the Turkish sultan. Russians were allowed to keep their conquests in the Caucasus and Bessarabia. Russians claimed the honor of bringing independence to Serbia, Montenegro, and Rumania, as well as forcing the Turks to treat Christians more humanely. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Long Term Impact of the Congress of Berlin Great tensions grew out of the Congress; the Russians were outraged and deeply resentful of Germany Bismarck recognized that he couldn’t revive the League of 3 Emperors, so he sought to develop a new system of alliances to attempt to maintain the peace. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal The Dual Alliance (October 1879) An alliance between Germany and Austria that lasted until WWI Bismarck claimed to fear Russian hostility towards Germany, but he was really afraid of a Franco-Russian alliance. Treaty called for mutual assistance in the event that Germany or Austria was attacked by Russia & neutrality if attacked by another power. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Significance of the Dual Alliance It was the first alliance formed for the express purpose of preserving peace. It was renewed consistently until 1918 when both the Austrian and German empires were destroyed. It was criticized after WWI as having driven the Russians and French together. However, this in inaccurate since the Russians sought an accommodation w/ the Dual Alliance to avoid being isolated – due to their fear of a British attack through the Straits. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Renewal of the 3 Emperor’s League (1881 – 84) Russia approached Germany about a coalition with them alone, but Bismarck insisted upon a renewal of the 3 Emperor’s League. Signed in June 1881, the new pact was intended to last for 3 years. Secret terms stated that each state remain neutral if one of the others were at war w/ a 4th power. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Renewal of the 3 Emperor’s League (1881 – 84) Austria was given the right to annex Bosnia and Herzogovenia when they thought it was appropriate. The Treaty safeguarded Russia against a naval attack in the Black Sea and by agreeing to prevent Turkey from recovering its power in the Balkans. Weakness: continued rivalry between Austria and Russia in the Balkans. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Advantages of Renewal of the 3 Emperor’s League (1881 – 84) United the 3 conservative monarchies (Russia, Germany, and Austria Preserved the general peace between Russia & Austria w/o requiring German mediation. Prevented an alliance between France and Russia. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal The Triple Alliance (1882) French seizure of Tunis in 1881 made Italians fear that they would be excluded entirely from North African colonies. So Italy sought an alliance with Germany in 1882. In May 1882 Italy joined with Germany and Austria to form the Triple Alliance. It was to be a 3 year secret defensive treaty that promised aid if Italy or Germany were attacked by France – OR – if Austria or Germany were attacked by two powers. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Rumania Joins the Triple Alliance (1883) Signed agreements of mutual assistance with Austria and Germany providing that if either Rumania or Austria were attacked, the other two states would come to its assistance. It was a 5 year defensive treaty which was renewed until the outbreak of WWI in 1914. It was aimed at Russia although Russia was never specifically mentioned by name. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Results of Rumania Joining the Triple Alliance (1883) France was isolated because its decision to colonize Tunisia had alienated Italy. France’s decision to try to control Egypt strained French relations w/ Britain for 20 years. Germany was on good diplomatic terms w/ every other great European power (Austria, Russia, Rumania, and Great Britain). I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Balkan Crisis (1885) Russia expected to exert its influence over the newly independent Bulgaria, particularly since Alexander of Battenburg, the Tsarina’s nephew, had been chosen to lead Bulgaria. After a revolution in Rumelia, Alexander united with Bulgaria in 1885 and thereby restored 2/3 of the Big Bulgaria that had been dismantled by the Congress of Berlin. Alexander defeated a Serbian army after it attacked for compensation. Russia supported a conspiracy to replace Alexander w/ a monarch subservient to Russia; Instead, Bulgarians chose Ferdinance Saxe-Coburg, a German prince & Austrian ally. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Balkan Crisis as a Test for Bismarck The crisis threatened to destroy the 3 Emperors’ League and pit Russia, Austria, and Bulgaria in a war (1886). Bismarck was in a diplomatic pinch. He could not allow an Austrian defeat, but if he sided with Austria, he might drive Russia into an alliance with France. Bismarck went to the Reichstag and demanded an increase in the size of the army He then renewed the Triple Alliance, which increased French concerns about Italian involvement in a German war against France. The French lost interest in a Russian alliance or in reclaiming the lost provinces of Alsace-Lorraine. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Bismarck Mends Fences Russia Austria Told Russia that the Western Balkans were Austria’s Bismarck Supported Russian claims in Bulgaria Told Austria Made it clear to Austria that Germany would not fight Russia to achieve Austria’s goals in the Balkans I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal that Bulgaria was a Russian sphere of influence The Mediterranean Agreement (1887) Germany, Austria, and Russia agreed to maintain the status quo in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Seas. Italy promised Britain support in Egypt in exchange for British support for Italian aims in Libya. Result: Britain was free to protect Austria against Russian ambitions because Britain was made an associate of the Triple Alliance. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Reinsurance Treaty (June 1887) Intended to repair relations with Russia after the Mediterranean Agreement It was a 3 year secret agreement whereby Germany and Russia promised to remain neutral in any war fought by the other, except if Germany attacked France or Russia attacked Austria. Germany recognized Russia’s influence in Bulgaria. Both sides agreed not to permit territorial changes in the Balkans without their prior agreement. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Reinsurance Treaty (June 1887) Germany afforded Russia “benevolent neutrality” in the event that Russia was forced to take control of the Straits and Constantinople to defend its entrance to the Black Sea. Results: Treaty freed Germany from the threat of a Franco-Russian alliance and the immediate danger of a war between Russia and Austria. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Different Interpretations of the Reinsurance Treaty (June 1887) Some historians argue that the agreement was inconsistent with the Dual Alliance and that it deceived Austria. But Bismarck had repeatedly warned the Austrians that he would not fight for Austria’s goals there since the Russians had a sphere of influence in the Balkans. The real hypocrisy was that the Mediterranean Agreement had thwarted Russian goals in the east and only months later Bismarck’s Reinsurance Treaty actually encouraged Russia to pursue those same goals. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Second Mediterranean Agreement (1887) Russia became dissatisfied with Bulgaria’s new ruler and threatened war in the Balkans. To prevent war, Bismarck encouraged a Second Mediterranean Agreement Between Austria, Britain, and Italy. This Second Mediterranean Agreement reiterated the status quo in the Med, Adriatic, and Black seas; and it specifically mentioned Bulgaria and the Straits. As a result of warning, Russia abandoned its plans for Bulgaria. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Discussion Question The Congress of Berlin demonstrated that a new Balance of Power, centered on Germany, had come into existence. None of the Statesmen at Berlin expected the settlement to last long, and they would have been astonished to learn that the Congress would be followed by 36 years of European peace. Discuss Bismarck’s role in establishing and maintaining this new Balance of Power I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Discussion Question – Bismarck’s Insistence on Maintaining Peace in Europe According to Kagan, on several occasions Bismarck reminded Austria that the Dual Alliance was a defensive alliance only. Therefore, he refused to support the Austrians in their Balkan ambitions or in quarrels with the Russians. Similarly, Bismarck often reminded Austria and Italy that the Triple Alliance was defensive in nature, and he often stood in the way of his allies’ ambitions. Do you agree with Kagan’s assessment? I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Great Example of Different Interpretations “What Bismarck had really done was to establish a sort of balance of power, a system under which Russia would be held in check by the Mediterranean coalition, and the peace of Europe was preserved.” Kagan on Bismarck’s complicated diplomatic efforts to balance Russian and Austrian interests in the Balkans via a Reinsurance Treaty and then by the Second Mediterranean Agreement. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Other Great Examples of Different Interpretations Page 108, paragraphs 1 & 2; on the nature, purpose, and results of the Dual Alliance. – 111; on Bismarck’s policy of colonial expansion. Page110 I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Interesting Personalities Officer Friedrick von Holstein – urged the Austrians to take a tough line with Russia over Bulgaria. General Alfred von Waldersee – General Staff member who supported von Holstein and argued for a pre-emptive war against Russia. Waldersee tried to convince General Helmut von Moltke to go behind Bismarck’s back and use his influence w/ the Emperor to support that policy. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Verbatim “I cannot avoid the impression that it is the aim of certain military circles in Vienna to distort our alliance . . . We must take care that the privilege of giving political advice to our monarchs does not in fact slip out of our hands and pass over to the General Staffs.” Bismarck managing the frustration felt by members of the German General Staff, particularly Holstein and Moltke, as a result of his seemingly contradictory foreign policy towards Russia as it related to Bulgaria. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Verbatim “The Tunisian pear is ripe and it is time for you to pick it.” Bismarck encouraging French colonization efforts in Africa, particularly as a means of diverting their attention from the provinces of the Alsace-Lorraine, which they lost to Germany during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 – 71. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Verbatim “When Austria has worn that flannel next to her skin for 3 years she will no longer be able to discard it without running the risk of catching cold.” Bismarck commenting on Austria’s insistence that the renewal of the Three Emperors’ League stand for no more than a 3 year period. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal Verbatim “We have no intention of allowing ourselves to be bound by the alliance to the tail of the Hungarian comet, but to establish a regular order of calculable dimensions.” Bismarck commenting on his diplomatic efforts to prevent a war between Russia and Austria over disputed Balkan territory in 1886. I.B. History of the Americas II :: Session 2 :: The Renaissance :: Davis & Bakkal