Tag Archives: Bismarck
The Alliance System in Europe 1871-1890
This revision podcast focuses on Bismarck and the International System (sometimes known as the Alliance System) he created from 1871 until his resignation in 1890. Approaching the topic through a consideration of Bismarck’s foreign policy aims following the unification of Germany, the podcast explains how he attempted to isolate France, befriend Britain, and create a series of alliances with Russia and Austria-Hungary.
The formation of the Dual Alliance by Germany and Austria-Hungary – introductory video
Keen to consolidate the newly-united Germany, Otto von Bismarck turned to diplomacy in an attempt to ensure the status quo in Europe.
The Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia: a brief overview
Germany and Russia signed the secret Reinsurance Treaty that ensured they would each remain neutral if the other went to war with a third European power.
Why did Otto von Bismarck resign in 1890?
On the 20th March 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany formally accepted Otto von Bismarck’s resignation.
The breakdown of the International System from 1890
In this revision podcast we see how the ascension of Wilhelm II to the throne of Germany in 1890 led to the breakdown of the Alliance System created by Bismarck. It explores how a number of factors led to increased European tensions through reference to key issues including Weltpolitik, the arms race, and nationalism. These factors are assessed in order to explain the changing relationships between the European powers during the period.
Conflicts in the Balkans before the First World War
This revision podcast focuses on the ‘Eastern Question’ that affected the Balkans and threatened the European balance of power from the late 19th Century to the early 20th. The episode stretches from the impact of the Congress of Berlin in 1878 to the Balkan Wars of 1912-13. Particular focus is given to the rise nationalism and Pan-Slavism in the Balkan states and the effects of the Bosnian Crisis of 1908-9.
The creation of the North German Confederation: 1862-66
Although this revision podcast covers a much shorter period of time than the previous episodes in the series, the sequence of events that led to the creation of the North German Confederation laid the foundation for the unification of Germany just five years later. This podcast begins with the introduction of Von Roon’s army reforms and the appointment of Bismarck to the role of Chancellor. It then goes on to explain how Bismarck refined his system of Realpolitik through the Polish Revolt, the Schleswig-Holstein Crisis and the Danish War which in turn led to the Convention of Gastein. This episode ends with the Austro-Prussian War and the Peace of Prague – the final stage in Prussia’s subjugation of Austria – and the creation of the North German Confederation.
The unification of Germany: 1866-71
The final episode in this series of revision podcasts concludes the process of German unification. Beginning with the aftermath of the Peace of Prague and the creation of the North German Confederation, it provides an overview of France’s attempts to gain territory (including the Luxembourg Affair) in the face of increasing Prussian dominance. Following a discussion of the Hohenzollern Candidature and Bismarck’s editing of the subsequent Ems Telegram, the podcast finishes with an account of Prussian victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.
Proclamation of Wilhelm I as the first German Emperor
On the 18th January 1871, Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the first German Emperor.
