After 1871, Bismarck tried to avoid conflicts so the newly united empire could develop. He particularly feared a combined attack from east and west. He tried to keep Germany allied with Russia and Austria-Hungary so they would not form alliances with France. But Russia and Austria-Hungary had opposing interests in the Balkans, a group of countries in the southeast corner of Europe, and that made it difficult to keep an alliance with both of them.

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia formed a loose alliance in 1873, but it soon broke up over the Balkan problem. In 1879, Bismarck established a military and political alliance with Austria-Hungary. Italy joined in 1882, and the alliance became known as the Triple Alliance. During the 1880's, Germany also established colonies in Africa and on islands in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1888, Wilhelm I died. He was succeeded by his terminally ill son Frederick III, whose reign lasted only 99 days. The crown then passed to Frederick's son, Wilhelm II, who was eager to establish his own authority. In 1890, he forced Bismarck to resign. Wilhelm demanded that Germany have influence throughout the world. He also wanted to build a modern navy to defend German interests and challenge British naval supremacy.

Wilhelm's ambitions, which he often expressed in an aggressive manner, frightened other powers. In 1894, Russia allied itself with France. The United Kingdom felt its control of the seas threatened and established the Entente Cordiale (cordial understanding) with France in 1904. In 1907, the United Kingdom and Russia signed a similar agreement. Under these agreements, the three countries formed the Triple Entente. Europe was divided into two armed camps, with the Triple Alliance on one side and the Triple Entente on the other.

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