Europe after Bismarck

Without Bismarck to control the political situation in Europe, a number of problems began to emerge for Germany. The biggest problem was the release of Russia from the Reinsurance Treaty. Russia immediately began to pursue a new ally. France was quick to welcome Russia with open arms. The first major crack in Bismarck's system had occurred.

By 1891, secret negotiations had begun between France and Russia. These discussions would lead to the formation of the Dual Entente (agreement) in 1894. The treaty was a full military alliance that called for immediate support should either country be attacked. France had achieved some sense of security for itself after the many years of isolation during which Bismarck controlled foreign relations within Europe.

The situation led to tremendous worries within the German military. The fear of a two-front war was now realized. Planning to handle the situation was undertaken almost immediately. Under the leadership of Count Von Schlieffen, the Chief of the German General Staff, a plan was roposed. He suggested that should a war occur, Germany must attack France first, destroy them, then move the German army to face the Russians. His plan became the main focus of German military planning during the next twenty years.

The End of British Isolation

One of the reasons why William II decided to not renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia had to do with England. William wanted to develop an alliance with the British, and realized that Russia and England did not get along. He wanted to show England that she was more important to Germany. Key leaders in both England and Germany were supportive of a possible alliance between the two countries.

In addition to the political possibilities, an alliance seemed natural because the two Royal Families were closely related. In fact, Kaiser William II was half English (his mother was British) and his grandmother was Queen Victoria. For most of his life, William was fascinated with England and its people. Unfortunately, he developed an inferiority complex about the British Empire and wanted to show that Germany was superior.

Although both sides were interested in forming an alliance, the policies of Kaiser William II became a tremendous barrier. The building of a large naval fleet, interference in world affairs, and the creation of an overseas empire, drove Great Britain away from close relations with Germany. The heavy-handed policies of the Kaiser forced the British to look elsewhere for potential allies.

England had not taken an active role in European politics after the defeat of Napoleon many years earlier, but now became worried about being isolated. The problems arising with Germany and the general situation in European politics forced the British to look to old enemies as future allies.