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Germany’s Upset of the Balance of Power
As the imperial competition raged throughout the world, the map of Europe was changing as well. From 1815-1870, the aptly named balance of power in Europe was a system that aimed to maintain international order and peace by following any increase in strength of one nation-state with an increase in strength of its geographic or political enemy. By upholding this precarious system, in theory, no country would be willing to embark on a course of military expansion for fear of reprisal by an equally powerful force. However, this balance ended in 1870 and 1871 with the consolidation of Italy and Germany, respectively, into viable and strong nation-states in the heart of Europe.
With the creation of Germany in 1871, the old balance of power, involving France, Prussia, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, was replaced by a new system. Under the leadership of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Germany forged ahead in 1873 by forming the Three Emperors’ League with the two most conservative powers in Europe—Austria-Hungary and Russia. The three empires pledged to consult with one another on mutual interests in Europe and to remain neutral when any member state took military action against a non-member, particularly France or the Balkan nations.
Further Threats to the Balance of Power
This balance of power program is best illustrated in Europe’s relations with the Ottoman Empire. At its height, the Ottomans controlled the Middle East, parts of northern Africa, and territories as far north as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since the Ottomans held dominion over the Balkans, most of Europe preferred to maintain the Ottoman Empire, no matter how weak, to prevent any one European state from imposing its own dominion over the volatile Balkan Peninsula. However, it was the Peninsula itself that would threaten the very foundation of the European balance of power.
However, it was more than just the Balkans that would topple the delicate balance of power in Europe. When it was created after the Napoleonic Wars, all of Europe was united against France. The creation of a balance against one enemy was quite simple; however, as time passed and French aggression seemed less and less likely, a more complex Europe emerged in its place. Part of this new, complex Europe was the consolidation of Germany and Italy as strong nation-states. In addition, the advancement of technology in warfare changed the criteria of power. Whereas in Napoleonic times, population and infantry forces made a great power, the dawn of the twentieth century saw the increased importance of battleships, submarines, troop mobility via trains, and other new technologies that could be balanced only by a dangerous arms race.
