German Fears of a Two-Front War

Russia became very paranoid and fearful of German intentions. She believed that the Dual Alliance was directed against her. These fears drove Russia to open up negotiations with Germany to perhaps form an alliance of their own.

Bismarck was quick to grasp the need to keep Russia happy. His fears were supported by the concerns of German military commanders. They were worried about having to fight France and Russia at the same time, in two different directions.

Military philosophy dictates that an army should not fight a two-front war. A war of this type does not allow for a concentration of military forces and resources necessary to defeat the enemy. Instead, it forces an army to divide its attention and armed forces in two. Both of the forces are now weaker, which invites defeat.

As a result of the Russian offer and the fears of the German military, Bismarck offered the Reinsurance Treaty to the Russians. He hoped that the treaty would eliminate the possibility of a two-front war, and also reduced political instability between Germany and Russia.