One

• As a result of the problems in the Balkans during the 1870s including the humiliation of the Turks, and Russia's anger at her diplomatic defeat, Bismarck moved towards a more formal system of alliances
• Bismarck's neutrality during the Bulgarian crisis had looked like a preference for Austria
• The 1879 alliance was intended to keep Austria and France apart
• Mutual guarantee of neutrality if there was an attack by another country unless it was aided by Russia
• It was secret, to run for 5 years and could be renewed
• The worry was that Russia might go into alliance with France
• Or – Austria might be tempted to begin some adventure in the Balkans

Two

Dreikaiserbund

• Bismarck was able to revive the tripartite agreement because Russia wanted to avoid isolation
• If one of the states was at war with a 4th the other two would remain neutral
• No changes to take place in the Balkans without agreement
• It implied a division into spheres of influence at the Serbo-Bulgarian frontier
• Austria reserved right to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina in the future
• The British demand made at the Congress of Berlin for free passage through the Straits was refused – and the Turks were told not to agree to it

Three

• Dual Alliance not replaced
• War between Russia and her two allies was still possible
• Attempt made to prevent war in the Balkans
• Austria made alliances with Serbia (1881) and Rumania (1883)

Four

Triple Alliance 1882

• Bismarck hoped that an alliance would improve Austro-Italian relations
• Franco-Italian relations worsening over former's imposition of protectorate over Tunis
• Result – May 1882 Five year renewable treaty:-
• Austria and Germany to help Italy if she was attacked by France
• If one of the 3 powers was attacked by 2 or more powers the others would support it
• This covered the chance of war between Austria and France and Russia
• If one of the 3 allies made war on a power that threatened it, the other 2 would maintain 'benevolent neutrality'

Five

• Italy had been neutralized as a danger at the price of a guarantee against French attack
• The alliance was supported by Italian conservative groups but the Left and radical groups favoured France and they were 'irredentist'