German Foreign RelationsChange in foreign policy - “After the economic downturns of 1873 and 1882, a consensus emerged in favor of foreign trade and the acquisition of colonies as a response to overproduction German.” – Abrams LynnColonial policy: diverting destabilizing energies at home toward an enthusiasm for adventure and expansion abroad. [called social-imperialism, was followed more deliberately by William II and the internal tensions of Caprivia became more dangerous after 1890] "to divert the revolutionary elements towards imperialism, in order to turn the gaze of the nation abroad and to bring one's feelings back to common ground" - Abrams LynnImperialism as a safety valve, protecting Germany from a socialist revolution "My map of Africa is in Europe" - Bismarck Protectorates: Cameroon, Togoland, South Africa Southwest, East Africa, one or two in the Pacific Economic groups: Colonial Union, German Colonization Company However: Germany did not witness spontaneous outbursts of enthusiasm for the colonies, like this occurred in Britain, Bismarck liked to present himself as an honest broker - Germany was now firmly established as a player, wanted to consolidate its position. [1878 Congress of Berlin, Russia resented lack of German support] maintain European peace - essential to the Empire's security and commercial prosperity - Prevent France from mounting a serious challenge to the new Empire - Avoid a two-front war - Avoid having to make a choice between Austria, Hungary and Russia - Germany is in a difficult three-to-two majority in any alliance......mid paper ......[IMAGE]Late 1890s - Imperial foreign policy took center stage - Anglo-French agreement signed in 1904 - Bismarckian alliance system had been dismantled within five years , Germany finds itself isolated, surrounded by potentially hostile powers. Kaiser - Influenced by Von Tirpitz (captures Kiao Chow in 1897, alienates Russia, embarks on a naval policy in 1898 Naval Bill) Fischer and Wehler: Germany is at fault Wehler underlines the primacy of politics interior. political in the development of foreign policy and proposed that the anachronistic character of the Second Empire was responsible for the descent into war. “In 1914, war was the one and last means by which ruling elites could seek to maintain their power against the threat of new social forces, a “forward escape”” – Abrams Lynn