BISMARCK'S FOREIGN POLICIES (1871 -1890)

The peace, unity and consolidation of German Empire necessitated a shrewd foreign policy for which Bismarck was a master political tactician of hi-« time. He was aware that France was humiliated and was longing for a war of revenge. He had also realised that Austria was expelled from the German confederation 2iid was therefore not in good moods. At the same time Bismarck was conscious of the need to secure the friendship of Britain and Russia who were likely to join France in case of any war of revenge. Bismarck's concern i.e. aims and objectives in foreign policy were to: -
i. Continue isolating and weakening France so that she does not organize a war of revenge against Germany.
ii. Maintain German friendship with Russia and Austria who were the two powers likely to ally with France.
However, if it becomes impossible and one of the two had to be chosen, then priority would be given to Austria.
iii. Prevent any war in Europe while maintaining the balance of power under Germany and himself as the focus of European diplomacy and settlements.
iv. Maintain the 1871 Frankfurt treaty and settlement.
v. Maintain good relationship with Britain who was a super power and enemy of France.
vi. Not to participate in the Eastern question but to utilize any opportunity that arises to consolidate German supremacy. At the same time he wanted to reconcile Russia and Austria who were separated by rival interest in the Balkans.
Vii. Consolidate the Italian friendship that was cultivated during the unification and Germany was to be a buffer state between Italy and Austria.
viii. Maintain the territorial integrity and independence of the German empire that was created in