Page:Anglo-American relations during the Spanish-American war (IA abz5883.0001.001.umich.edu).pdf/33



By 1890 it was apparent to thoughtful students of world polities that the next decade would bring a complete readjustment of international relations. One eycle of events was drawing to a close; another, having already assumed definite form, was ready to emerge into a tangible and concrete existence. The new imperialism which had been developing since the Franco-Prussian War had assumed important aspects and proportions. Old international alliances were outgrown and new ones were in process of formation.

In 1887, the Triple Alhance, composed of Germany, Austria, and Italy, had been renewed. Three years later the Russo-German Convention and the Three Emperors’ League was abandoned. The significance of these two events was fourfold. It marked a victory of the north German merchants over the conservative national policy of Bismarck. It freed Germany from the possibility of being dragged into the Russo-British quarrels in Europe and Asia. It left her in position to make the most of the situation should she be dragged into the Russo-Austrian quarrels in the Balkans. It left the Triple Alliance as the only active European alliance while the other three great states, Great Britain, France, and Russia, stood isolated.