IB History Topic Foreign Policy of Kaiser Wilhelm II…

Wilhelm II’s New Course

Bismarck was dismissed in 1890.
1. Kaiser Wilhelm II adopted a more aggressive foreign policy (Weltpolitik), leading to the non-renewal of the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, pushing Russia toward France.
Franco-Russian Alliance (1894):
1. France and Russia, both diplomatically isolated, signed a military alliance.
2. France gained a powerful continental partner, and Russia got financial support for industrialization.
Entente Cordiale (1904):
1. A diplomatic understanding between France and Britain, settling colonial disputes in Africa.
2. Though not a military alliance, it showed improving Anglo-French relations.
Anglo-Russian Entente (1907):
1. Britain and Russia resolved their colonial rivalries in Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet.
2. This created the Triple Entente: France, Britain, and Russia, a powerful counterweight to the Triple Alliance.

Polarization of Europe:
1. The emergence of two rival blocs increased distrust and fear. The alliance system didn’t encourage peace. It made powers more confident in taking risks.
Arms Race & Military Planning:
1. Alliances encouraged countries to prepare for war. The expectation of allied support (e.g., Germany’s support for Austria-Hungary) reduced diplomatic restraint.

Bismarck was dismissed in 1890.
1. Kaiser Wilhelm II adopted a more aggressive foreign policy (Weltpolitik), leading to the non-renewal of the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, pushing Russia toward France.
Franco-Russian Alliance (1894):
1. France and Russia, both diplomatically isolated, signed a military alliance.
2. France gained a powerful continental partner, and Russia got financial support for industrialization.
Entente Cordiale (1904):
1. A diplomatic understanding between France and Britain, settling colonial disputes in Africa.
2. Though not a military alliance, it showed improving Anglo-French relations.
Anglo-Russian Entente (1907):
1. Britain and Russia resolved their colonial rivalries in Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet.
2. This created the Triple Entente: France, Britain, and Russia, a powerful counterweight to the Triple Alliance.

Polarization of Europe:
1. The emergence of two rival blocs increased distrust and fear. The alliance system didn’t encourage peace. It made powers more confident in taking risks.
Arms Race & Military Planning:
1. Alliances encouraged countries to prepare for war. The expectation of allied support (e.g., Germany’s support for Austria-Hungary) reduced diplomatic restraint.