Bismarck & Europe 1871-1878

1. What were Otto von Bismarck's aims in foreign policy following Germany's victory over France in 1871?
Bismarck's main goal was to maintain peace in Europe. The two threats to peace were a possible attack from France, and an Austro-Russian conflict arising in the Balkans. Bismarck prevented France from attacking Germany by isolating her from the other Great Powers. He did this by allying Germany with Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Three Emperors Leaugue. Although Bismarck wanted peace, he wanted to create enough tension that the other powers could not join together against Germany. His worst nightmare was France and Russia becoming allies. However that is exactly what happens when the "War in Sight" article is published. Rather than isolating France, it gives France support from Brittain and Russia.
The other threat to peace was conflict in the Balkans. Bismarck tryed to ease the tensions with Austria-Hungary and Russia, but was unable to do that due to the Eastern Question. Bismarck had to somehow make Russia and the Hapsburg Empire feel as though Germany was on their side. Bismarck encouraged both Austria-Hungary and Russia to find a solution diplomatically, and also suggested Britain help too, but the Powers were unable to find a solution. Despite Russia's war with Turkey, Germany remained neutral.

2. Why did events between the years 1875-78 in the Balkans lead to a crisis between the Great Powers?
Russia wanted to help the Slavs. Austria-Hungary feared the creation of Slavic states, because it might undermine its own stability. So when the Slavs started rebelling, the russians want to help them, and the Austrians want the Ottomans to defeat them. At first Russia and Austria-Hungary try to go about the situation peacefully, but that doesn't work. In the end, the Russian public wants to help the Slavs so much they declare war on Turkey. Russia defeats Turkey and takes some territory and demands unfair terms for peace. Austria-Hungary feels betrayed, and Britain's sympathy is with Turkey. The situation pits Russia against Austria-Hunagary and Briatin.