How Did The Allies Role Support The Coun-Try's Strategy

In this essay it will be argued that allies play a significant role in support of the coun-try’s strategy . Specifically, Germany’s case will be analysed just after its unification in 1871, when Prussian Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck put remarkable efforts to make Germany a great power in Europe at that time. Geopolitical situation in the second part of the nineteenth century required a wide range of strategic movements within the European political arena. Bismarck clearly understood that protection of the newly created State would be possible only keeping the peace in the continent. The only way to materialize his vision was proper balancing among other powers such as Russia, France, Austria and United Kingdom. According to his strategy, Germany
As D. Kagan emphasised ‘Bismarck liked to say that in the world of five powers ‘try to be a trois’’ (Kagan, 1995). The official background of this “project” was based on general values that three Empires shared: monarchy and resistance against France represented republicanism, democracy, and socialism. The agreement was made to consult one another that ‘the maintenance of the peace of Europe be secured, and if necessary be enforced, against attack from any quarter’ (Craig, 1980). However, Bismarck’s rationale in reality was to keep Russia close, in the way that Germany would be able to influence her foreign policy which could interfere with Germany’s interests. On the other hand, continuing strong disagreements between Austria and Russia in terms of disputes regarding influence in Balkans made the League very much formal rather than effective. This issue continued to be visible throughout the existence of the League, including its renewal in 1881. Moreover, developing anti-German and nationalist feelings inside the Russia had a potential to turn into the hate and friendly moves towards
His idea was to establish alliances based on mutual support thus limiting any Germany allies’ possibility to sign any agreement with France. As an initial step to his plan Bismarck selected Austria. The treaty to create the Dual Alliance was signed in 1879. As Chancellor noted ‘I wanted to dig a ditch between her and the Western powers’ (Kagan, 1995). Bismarck saw Austria “an easy target” as it was much weaker than Germany at this time, shared common cultural and linguistic background and had mutual interest to assist each other in case of attack by Russia. Additionally, in the Treaty it was noted the maintenance of neutrality in case of attack from any other power. The Dual Alliance ‘was the keystone of the Bismarckian system of preserving the German Empire by keeping peace in Europe’ (Kagan,1995), and set a background for the long lasting cooperation between Austria and