Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia

Background. The treaty originated after the Dreikaiserbund lapsed in 1887 due to Balkan competition. In early 1887, a Russian diplomat proposed a treaty in Berlin for friendly neutrality during a German-French war, in exchange for German recognition of Russian dominance in Bulgaria. Bismarck negotiated this secret agreement to prevent Franco-Russian encirclement, maintaining his policy of isolating France to avoid a two-front war.

Terms and Concessions. The treaty stipulated neutrality if either party faced war with a third great power, except for German attacks on France or Russian attacks on Austria-Hungary. Germany conceded Russian influence in Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia and supported Russian control of the Black Sea. It also included a separate agreement for German neutrality if Russia intervened against Ottoman control of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.

Non-Renewal and Consequences. After Bismarck's removal in 1890, Germany refused to renew the treaty. Count von Berchem argued it was unfavorable, noting contradictions with the Austro-Romanian Treaty. The non-renewal pushed Russia toward France, leading to the Franco-Russian Alliance. Historians view this failure as a decisive turning point in Russian foreign policy, contributing to the outbreak of World War I.