How Did Bismarck Build A Paranoia

Late nineteenth century Europe was a hotbed of political change. The international system of alliances began as a solid measure to prevent war. But, as countries expanded borders, tensions began to arise. Multiple countries looking to extend their influence created a paranoia of preventive war from the great powers, causing tensions to rise. The resignation of German Chancellor Bismarck ended an era of alliances and began the deterioration of long held diplomatic ties in Europe. The development and later fall of the alliance system started the first world war by pitting the great powers against one another over territorial control. Paranoia was the driving motivator in Bismarck’s diplomatic decision making after 1875. In 1875, the war in
The rift between Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Germany had become too large and their alliance collapsed. Tensions were further raised by Russo-German trade disputes. The prospect of a Franco-Russian alliance was raise. Instead, a Russo-German alliance was created called the Reinsurance treaty. The alliance restrained both Russia and Austria-Hungary from conflict and further secured peace in Europe. Historians have criticized Bismarck’s foreign policy calling it contradictory. But, Bismarck’s goal of preventing war. The alliance served as a restraint against would-be aggressors, which no government wanted to be cast as. In 1890, Bismarck resigns, at the same time, the Reinsurance treaty needed to be updated. But, the new German Chancellor Leo von Caprivi, felt that Bismarck’s plan was too complex and left Germany open to being accused of double dealing. So, they did away with it, preferring an alliance with Britain, but leaving a Franco-Russian alliance open. The deterioration of the Reinsurance act divided Europe into two blocks and Germany’s new Chancellor believed war to be inevitable. The fall of great power alliances led to the first world