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- Proclamation of II Reich in the Hall of mirrors of the Palace of Versailles (Franco-Prussian war)
- Treaty of Frankfurt saw France pay indemnities and recognize the annexation of the Alsace-Lorraine by the German Empire.
- New German empire seen as a military powerhouse and likely a threat to European balance of power.
Bismack's stance declaring Germany a "satiated power" aiming primarily to (a) isolate France diplomatically, avoiding an anti-German coalition headed by them, and (b) ensure stability in Europe.

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- Following growing unrest in the Balkans, with revolts in Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Montenegro in 1876.
- Russians were willing to tackle the crisis diplomatically to avoid repeating the events of the Crimean War (1853-56). Turkish atrocities towards Christian slavs, however, inflamed pro-slav sentiments in Russia and convinced Aleksandr II to take action.
- Russia proved victorious and aimed to impose its terms upon the Ottoman Empire through the Treaty of St. Stefano

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- Mediation for the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish War
- Resulted on the Treaty of Berlin, which limited Russian gains from the war, especially if compared with the Treaty of San Stefano originally drafted by the Russians.
- Soured Russo-German relations and brought the Dreikaiserbund to an end. Austro-German relations were strengthened by the binding Dual Alliance (1879)

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- Enlargement of the Dual alliance with the inclusion of Italy. Franco-Italian tensions over northern Africa were key in drawing Italy into this alliance.

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- Domestic pressures and a favourable international situation allowed Bismarck to make his first exceptions in his "satiated power" line and pursue a modest colonial policy

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- Bulgarian sought expansion by supporting the separation of Eastern Rumelia from the Ottoman Empire. The expansion of Bulgaria renewed tensions between Austria and Russia and shattered the 2nd Dreikaiserbund (leading to the Reinsurance treaty)

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- Secret agreement between Germany and Russia.
- Did not technically contradict the terms of the Dual alliance, but if made public could seriously affect German relations with Austria, Italy and Great Britain - this is largely the reason why Bismarck's successor (Caprivi) will allow the treaty to lapse in 1890.

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- Bismarck's foreign policy lines did not align with those of the new Kaiser, Wilhelm II
- The Kaiser's intent to take direct oversight over foreign policy (rule personally) led to the appointment of four different chancellors between 1890 and 1914:
- Leo von Caprivi (1890-1894)
- Chlodwig zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst (1894-1900)
- Bernhard von Bülow (1900-1909)
- Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg (1909-1917)

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- Formed following the lapse of the Reinsurance Treaty
- Approximation between France and Russia also favoured by Bismarck's decision to limit Russia's access to German credit.

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If you are new to the First World War - or are rusty after many years since history class - the reasons for the so-called 'Great War' can be shrouded in confusion.

The Second World War was rather more straightforward: no questions there who did what and who was at fault.

This website contains much material based in and around the events of World War One - but if you are unsure how it began and who did what, well, where to begin? That's the purpose of this section of the site.

Admittedly the origins of the war remain somewhat controversial even after all these years, but the facts are there. The articles contained here outline the run-up to the war, who was who, and explain why the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was by no means the sole cause of the conflict, how it was spoiling anyhow.

Having read these primers you will hopefully be in a better position to explore the remainder of the site which despite its size is, of course, still very much in development.

"Coffin Nails" was a term used by British soldiers to describe cigarettes.

- Did you know?

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If you are new to the First World War - or are rusty after many years since history class - the reasons for the so-called 'Great War' can be shrouded in confusion. The Second World War was rather more straightforward: no questions there who did what and who was at fault.