Tense political atmosphere at the end of the 19th century

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Tense political atmosphere at the end of the 19th century

The author describes the tense political atmosphere in Europe at the end of the 19th century. The text shows how Europe - driven by Germany and France - projects its conflicts, wars and armament onto the world outside of its territory.

Bloch, Valdemar Antonius

This history schoolbook was first published as part of a series from 1863 and continuously expanded. It was used in grammar schools and different secondary schools until about 1920.

Det Nordiske Forlag

[p. 120]

The conditions in the Balkans are still endangering peace in Europe.

Another dark point on Europe’s horizons is the tense relationship that has prevailed between France and [p. 121] Germany since the war of 1870-71. France cannot forget the loss of Alsace-Lorraine; it has elevated its military power to a higher level than ever before; Germany and the other major powers have done the same; they are all armed to the teeth and ready to face the impending events. In order to further secure the conquests and superiority of Germany in Europe, Fürst Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria in 1879, which was joined by Italy (King Victor Emanuel’s son Umberto, and, after he was murdered by an anarchist, his then reigning son Victor Emanuel III.) later (1883). It is the mission of this Triple Alliance to secure the existing borders of their countries against the attacks of France or Russia. As a natural counterweight to the Triple Alliance France and Russia also formed an alliance.

Translation:
Steenberg Reyhé, Rune
Murphy, Charlotte

Recommended citation:

WorldViews. The World in Textbooks

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Tense political atmosphere at the end of the 19th century