The unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck in 1870 dramatically altered the European balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The emergence of a unified and powerful German state shifted the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
2. Rise of Germany as a Major Power:
Prior to 1870, Germany had been a collection of disunited states. The unification created a nation with a large population, a strong military, and significant industrial capacity. Germany quickly became one of the most powerful countries in Europe, challenging the traditional dominance of France, Austria, and Russia.
3. Franco-Prussian War and Alsace-Lorraine:
The formation of Germany was largely the result of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The German victory in this conflict led to the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine from France, further increasing tensions between the two countries and fueling a desire for revenge in France.
4. Formation of Dual Alliances:
The rise of Germany led to the formation of new alliances among European powers. In response to Germany's growing strength, the Dual Alliance was formed between Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1879. This defensive pact aimed to protect both countries against potential threats from France and Russia.
5. Triple Alliance and Triple Entente:
In response to the Dual Alliance, the Triple Alliance was formed in 1882, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Triple Entente, on the other hand, was an informal alignment between Britain, France, and Russia, formed after the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale of 1904 and the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907.
6. Balkan Crisis:
The Balkans, a region in Southeastern Europe, became a major source of tension between the rival powers. The disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of nationalism in the Balkans led to conflicts that brought European powers to the brink of war on several occasions.
7. Tensions and Rivalries:
The emergence of Germany as a powerful state challenged the existing European order and created an atmosphere of tension and rivalry among the major powers. The arms race, colonial competition, and unresolved territorial disputes further exacerbated these tensions and set the stage for the outbreak of World War I in 1914.