Bismarck’s Foreign Policy from The Formation of The German Empire to the 1878 Congress of Berlin as Reflected in Russian Public Opinion

Abstract

The paper provides an analysis of Bismarck's foreign policy from the establishment of the German Empire in 1871 to the Congress of Berlin in 1878, viewed through the lens of Russian public opinion. Throughout this period, Bismarck aimed to preserve equilibrium in Europe while prioritizing German strategic interests, particularly by thwarting the establishment of an anti-German coalition. The Three Emperors' League, comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, first presented an image of collaboration; nevertheless, it ultimately demonstrated ineffectiveness throughout the Balkan crises. The Herzegovinian insurrection of 1875 and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 revealed significant tensions between Austria-Hungary and Russia, but Germany sought to navigate its alliances without substantial direct engagement. Gradually, Russian public opinion began to regard Germany as a dependable partner and recognized a clear diminishment of Bismarck's influence due to the absence of German support during the Eastern Crisis. The study elucidates the understanding of German policy by Russian publications and political spheres, ultimately concluding that Bismarck prioritized German interests over alliance obligations. In 1878, the Congress of Berlin exacerbated Russian grievances as German diplomacy imposed unfavorable geographical modifications contrary to Russian interests. The data clearly demonstrates the profound fragility of European alliances in the 19th century and the insufficiency of diplomatic agreements to resolve geopolitical conflicts.