Notes for European Diplomacy after 1871 - IB | RevisionDojo
European Diplomacy after 1871 Notes
Imperial Expansion in Africa and Asia & Its Impact on European Diplomacy
European Diplomacy
Scramble for Africa (1880s-1900s)
European powers, especially Britain, France, and Germany, competed for African territories.
This competition intensified national rivalries and disrupted the fragile diplomatic balance in Europe.
Imperialism was not just about resources. It was about prestige and global status.
Scramble for Africa (1880s-1900s)Exam technique
Include specific examples (e.g., Congo Free State, Fashoda Crisis, Berlin Conference) to show the link between imperial competition and European diplomatic tension.
Common Mistake
Students often mention “Scramble for Africa” without tying it back to European alliances or pre-war tensions.
Always link colonial rivalries to the deterioration of trust between powers.
German Weltpolitik (from 1890)
Marked Germany’s shift from Bismarck’s Realpolitik to a more aggressive world policy.
Focused on naval buildup, colonial acquisition, and challenging British dominance.
German Weltpolitik (from 1890)Hint
Be able to differentiate Bismarck and Wilhelm II in policy and impact.
This distinction often appears in “To what extent…” or “Assess the significance of…” questions.
The Congress of Berlin (1878) and the European Alliance System
Outcomes of the Congress
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What was the Scramble for Africa?
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Note
After the unification of Germany in 1871, European diplomacy entered a new era marked by shifting alliances and strategic maneuvering. The balance of power that had maintained relative peace was now threatened by a new, powerful player in Central Europe.
The unification of Germany under Prussian leadership created a strong, industrialized nation that disrupted the existing power structure.
Otto von Bismarck, the German Chancellor, became the architect of a complex system of alliances designed to isolate France and maintain peace.
AnalogyThink of European diplomacy as a game of chess, where each move (alliance) was carefully calculated to counter potential threats from other players.
DefinitionBalance of PowerA diplomatic concept where no single nation or alliance is strong enough to dominate all others, maintaining stability through equilibrium.
ExampleAfter 1871, Germany's military strength and industrial capacity made it a key player in European affairs, similar to how a new queen on a chessboard changes the dynamics of the game.
