Pre-WW1 Germany- Foreign

European Alliance SystemOtto Von Bismarck was a skilled diplomat who managed to set up a web of agreements and alliances to secure Germany's position in Europe and to isolate France. Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy in 1882 it agreed that:  if any of the parties we attacked by two or more powers, the others promised to lend aid If France attacked Germany, Italy would send aid.  if Italy was attacked by France, Both Germany and Austria-Hungary would back Italy.  Three Emperors' Alliance informal alliance between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia lasted from 1872-1881 Reinsurance Treaty Agreement between Russia and Germany (1887) stating that if either were at war, the other would remain neutral, unless France or Austria were the object of attack

Weltpolitik (1897)while this policy change had impact at home, there were greater changes in foreign policy AimsA major part of weltpolitik was to build a large navy through two naval laws. however, the idea was not a clear one. a German commander once mused "we are supposed to pursue weltpolitik. if only we knew what it is supposed to mean". this idea led to various interpretations of what were the overall goals of weltpolitik.  Colonial expansion was one interpretation, people thought that by gaining new colonies, that they could expand the German economy. 

First Moroccan Crisis (1905-06)In a vain attempt to break the Anglo-French Agreement, Kaiser Whilem II sailed into the port of tangier and had a speech in which he supported the sultan's independence and supported German interests. after the shocking indecent, Germany set up an international conference to discuss Morocco and attempt to isolate and humiliate France, while gaining a large diplomatic victory. unfortunately, the opposite happened. Germany ended up looking foolish and was isolated at the meeting. and the Anglo-French agreement was strengthened. 

Second Moroccan Crisis (1911)In April 1911, French troops were sent in to fez, in Morocco to quell a riot. in hopes to pull off a "great stroke" the German foreign minister send the gunboat, Panther to the port of Agadir, officially, this was to protect German citizens in the area, though only one could be found. in reality, it was there to try and win the entire French Congo for compensation for the French action and test Britain's loyalty to France. the UK stood by France, and Anglo-German relations took a bit hit, as well as the overall tension in Europe rising.  

Sarajevo and The Blank Cheque in June 1914, Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian terrorist organization, this event is commonly attributed to the outbreak of WW1. Following the murder, Austrian leaders gather to decide what they should do about Serbia. they were worried too stern actions could lead to Russia backing the Serbs. At this time, the Germans sent a telegram saying that no matter the action, Germany would stand beside Austria. With the knowledge of German support, Austria sent a ultimatum that they knew Serbia would not accept.  on July 28, 1914 Austria declared war on Serbia. 

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