The Foreign Policy of Otto von Bismarck - Essay Example

Bismarck laid out the essential guiding principles of German policy. First, Bismarck argued that Germany should refrain from continuing its territorial expansion; rather, all the powerful nations excluding France should compete with one another for Germany’s alliance. Moreover, the conflict among these powerful nations would be massive enough to prevent them from collaborating against Germany. Second, Bismarck had a rational understanding of international relations and the importance of the balance of power. Third, he regarded it crucial to prevent the Russians from building an alliance with France which would consequently pressure and endanger the Reich on both sides.

Initially, Bismarck focused on Germany’s alliance with Russia and Austria. This alliance facilitated the realization of Bismarck’s foreign policy objectives: it effectively secluded France and gained the friendship of two European superpowers. He took advantage of alliances to control his allies. Bismarck believed that Germany needed to cut off a resentful France from European relations. Hence, he built an alliance with Austria-Hungary. Afterward, the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy was formed. He also strived to sustain a diplomatic agreement with Russia to prevent an alliance between Russia and France that would pressure Germany to wage war against these two superpowers. The Triple Alliance was meant to keep France at bay. It declared that if France attacked Italy without any reasonable purpose, Austria-Hungary and Germany would help Italy. Accordingly, if France attacked Germany, Italy would help the latter. In summary, Bismarck’s major foreign policy goal was to strengthen and build up the Second Reich, and his foreign policy was therefore aimed against France.
2) However, in these chapters, as well as Chapter XVI, “Emperor William II”, he also revealed the difficulties he experienced in carrying out his policies, both within Germany at the highest levels, as well as in his diplomatic dealings with Russia. Which of the two did he imply posed the greater danger to the stability, safety, and survival of the Second Reich?

The economic gains of subsequent years were able to conceal the major problems of the Second Reich, particularly after the rise of Wilhelm II to power. In his letters, Bismarck revealed what he perceived are the real threats to the Second Reich: his diplomatic relations with Russia and his relationship with Germany’s monarchy. But he named the latter as a greater threat to the survival of the Second Reich. Wilhelm II did not have sufficient strategic and political skills. In foreign policy, Bismarck struggled to help the young Reich develop in terms of diplomacy. Yet, his plan for the future of Germany was grander than sheer peace. His alliances with Russia and Austria not merely strengthened the Reich’s international influence but also protected monarchies against the pressure of radical socialism. However, paradoxically, it was the growing influence of Germany’s social democracy that created the problems for the Second Reich. Wilhelm II insisted that the working class should receive additional privileges and that the anti-socialist policy should be loosened. But Bismarck’s stubbornness and persistence seemed quite uncompromising that he eventually became at odds with the monarch whom he swore to support and his situation became shaky.

After rising to power, William II persistently criticized the foreign and domestic policies of Bismarck. Bismarck defended himself, trying to overpower Germany and the new Kaiser. William II sought the help of friends and relatives who were opposed to the policies of Bismarck. Bismarck eventually understood that he was no longer the Reich’s chief custodian. This eventually led to Bismarck’s resignation. Without the Iron Chancellor, the Second Reich became very weak. Bismarck knew that Germany needs a strong leader, a competent servant of the Reich. Without him, there will be no single individual who will have the capacity to control and organize the fledgling empire. William II tried to acquire absolute power over the state, as well as German foreign policy. This brought about great instability and disorder in the German government. The young Kaiser did not have an expert diplomatic adviser to help him manage foreign policy. Bismarck had kept absolute power over foreign policy and did not prepare anybody to replace him and completely understand the complicated alliance strategy of Germany. This conflict between the monarch and Bismarck eventually resulted in the demise of the Second Reich. Read More