1, Bismarck clearly realized that Germany's strategic geographical situation was very poor.
At that time, Germany was in central Europe. Bismarck realized that this geographical situation made Germany's strategic situation very difficult. To the west is France, Germany's old enemy. Germany defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War and occupied two French territories, Alsace and Lorraine. The French have always wanted revenge on Germany. Across the English Channel is the powerful Britain, the largest colonial empire in the world; To the east is the huge Russian Empire. Although this country is relatively backward, it is vast in territory and abundant in natural resources, with a large population and abundant resources, which leads to almost endless war potential in Russia.
And Austria-Hungary are allies, so if Russia wants to negotiate with Austria-Hungary, it can only find Germany. Bismarck took advantage of this subtle relationship, and later formed the san huang Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia (the heads of the three countries were emperors), and then used the san huang Alliance to get involved with the British. Because there are many contradictions between the British and the Russians, the British have to negotiate with Russia and go through Germany, which is equivalent to using Russia to contain Britain. On the other hand, Bismarck, a Frenchman, played this game, and he also played Rafa during his whole administration.
2. The colonial situation in Africa
For Bismarck, Germany's greatest interest lies in Europe. As long as Europe's politics is well done, Germany can sail smoothly on the river of time and finally reach the other side of prosperity. Colonies are indeed, as Bismarck said, both resources and burdens. There is not much economic benefit in occupying these colonies, and in order to maintain these colonies, we have to deal with various powers and countries. If it is a little bad, it will completely offend people.
3. Bismarck's political career came to an end after the death of William I, the most trusted person in Bismarck.
William I, the German emperor who served Bismarck all his life, died, and his son died a few days after he ascended the throne. Then came William I's grandson Kaiser Wilhelm II. William II's policy is completely different from Bismarck's. Bismarck was incompatible with William II. He resigned as prime minister and spent the last eight years of his life at home. When Germany entered William II, its policy became clear from vagueness.
Compared with the wily Bismarck, William II is still too young.
William II's clear diplomatic strategy is to distinguish between enemies and friends. He regarded Austria-Hungary as a friend and Russia as an enemy, so the alliance of the Three Emperors disintegrated, and Russia completely fell to France, leaving Germany in a position of fighting on two fronts. At the same time, in order to compete for colonial and overseas interests in the world, William II believed that there would be a war between Germany and Britain. Under such a policy, Germany's diplomacy towards Britain has also become obviously hostile.
In this way, William II dragged Germany into the war, and the First World War broke out in this mode, eventually destroying the rule of Germany and William II.