Yes, the was the only man who was a able to keep the balance of power in Europe with Italy and German becoming new united nations. When he was dismissed in 1888 by the new Kaiser Wilhelm II the delicate balance broke down and with new territories being opened in the Balkans with the Ottoman Empire's decline it could counted as an initial fall into World War I.
The Reinsurance Treaty of 1887 was an agreement between Germany and Russia, aimed at maintaining neutrality if either country became involved in a war with a third power. It was designed to counterbalance the Franco-Russian Alliance and to prevent a two-front war for Germany. The treaty was a continuation of Bismarck's diplomatic strategy to isolate France and stabilize relations with Russia. However, it was not renewed after Bismarck's dismissal in 1890, leading to increased tensions in Europe.
To make Prussia the dominant power in Germany and Northern Europe
Otto von Bismarck aimed to unify Germany under Prussian leadership while maintaining stability in Europe. His policies included Realpolitik, which prioritized pragmatic and strategic decisions over ideology, and a series of wars that expanded Prussian territory and influence. Bismarck also sought to isolate France diplomatically through alliances, such as the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, and to manage domestic affairs through social reforms that mitigated the influence of socialism and promoted national unity.
Western Europe had been most successful at exploration and colonization.
Due to Otto Von Bismarck's leadership, military power and diplomacy, Europe was dominated by Germany from 1870 to 1890.
Bismarck was eager to control the territories of Alsace and Lorraine, as they had rich deposits of iron ore that were vital for industrial production and military strength. These territories were also seen as strategically important for maintaining Germany's power and influence in Europe.
The Reinsurance Treaty of 1887 was an agreement between Germany and Russia, aimed at maintaining neutrality if either country became involved in a war with a third power. It was designed to counterbalance the Franco-Russian Alliance and to prevent a two-front war for Germany. The treaty was a continuation of Bismarck's diplomatic strategy to isolate France and stabilize relations with Russia. However, it was not renewed after Bismarck's dismissal in 1890, leading to increased tensions in Europe.
Bismarck's greatest fear was the formation of a strong alliance between France and Russia, which he believed could encircle Germany and threaten its security. He sought to isolate France diplomatically while maintaining good relations with Russia through treaties, such as the Three Emperors' League and the Reinsurance Treaty. This diplomatic strategy aimed to prevent a two-front war and maintain a balance of power in Europe. Ultimately, Bismarck's fears were realized after his dismissal, leading to the Franco-Russian Alliance and increased tensions in Europe.
France
France
Bismarck's primary goal after 1871 was to keep peace in Europe. Another one of his goals was to keep France from becoming too powerful. Otto von Bismarck served as the 1st Chancellor of Germany.
He shocked Europe when he asked Otto von Bismarck to leave so he could rule on his own.
making money and maintaining power
Otto von Bismarck called the Berlin Conference in 1884 to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, aiming to avoid conflicts among European powers over territorial claims. The conference established ground rules for the "Scramble for Africa," enabling nations to claim land in Africa without conflict. Bismarck sought to assert Germany's role as a colonial power while maintaining stability in Europe by minimizing tensions between rival nations. This conference ultimately led to the partitioning of Africa among European powers.
When Bismarck referred to the "great questions of the day," he was likely talking about the significant political, social, and economic issues facing Germany and Europe during his time, such as national unification, power struggles between nations, and modernization efforts. Bismarck saw these issues as crucial to address and navigate in order to maintain stability and advance the interests of Germany.
To make Prussia the dominant power in Germany and Northern Europe
Otto von Bismarck believed it was strategically advantageous for Prussia to avoid inflicting serious harm on Austria during the war because he wanted to keep Austria as a potential ally in future conflicts and prevent the rise of a powerful anti-Prussian coalition in Europe. By maintaining good relations with Austria, Bismarck sought to weaken potential threats to Prussia's dominance in the region.