League of the Three Emperors created

Background. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck took full charge of German foreign policy from 1870. He feared that a hostile combination of Austria-Hungary, France, and Russia would crush Germany. Despite victory in the Franco-Prussian War, violence remained fresh in the new state's memory, making Germany reluctant to antagonize France but keen to limit its power. The alliance sought to resurrect the Holy Alliance of 1815 and act as a bulwark against radical sentiments that the rulers found unsettling.

Formation. The League was preceded by the Schönbrunn Convention, signed by Russia and Austria-Hungary on 6 June 1873. On 22 October 1873, Bismarck negotiated an agreement between the monarchs of Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany. This formed the League of the Three Emperors, an alliance of William I of Germany, Franz Joseph I of Austria, and Alexander II of Russia. The first League was in effect from 1873 to 1878.

Purpose. Bismarck often led the League as it assessed challenges, centred on maintaining the balance of power among the states involved and Europe at large. The alliance acted as a bulwark against radical sentiments that the rulers found unsettling. It sought to resurrect the Holy Alliance of 1815. The collective initially disbanded in 1878 over territorial disputes in the Balkans, as Austria-Hungary feared Russian support for Serbia might ignite irredentist passions.