Bismarck's System of Alliances

Bismarck's plans to protect Germany led to a system of alliances that were to dominate European politics. Germany was faced with several foreign policy problems almost immediately. Austria-Hungary wanted German support to expand into the Balkan region of Eastern Europe. Russia also wanted German support for her efforts to be the leader of the Slavic people in the same area of the Balkans.

Problems came to a head when Russia became involved in a war with Turkey. The war was fought over who should control the Balkan region. England threatened to go to war to support Turkey, and Austria-Hungary was angry that Russia was involved in the Balkans. Bismarck was expected to support Russia, Austria-Hungary, and keep his powerful armies ready to defend against France.

As a result of this potentially dangerous political situation, Bismarck held a large European meeting to hopefully fix the problem. The Congress of Berlin (1878) allowed Bismarck to orchestrate a deal to end the dangerous situation. At the end of the congress, Austria-Hungary received control of various regions of the Balkans while the Russians gained nothing. The Russians were angered over the lack of support it received from Bismarck's dealings. This situation became a major concern for Bismarck during the following months.