Current location - Quotes Website - Excellent quotations - Bismarck was a visionary. Why did he oppose German overseas colonies?
Bismarck was a visionary. Why did he oppose German overseas colonies?
After the establishment of the Second Reich, Bismarck shocked Congress with an iron fist, which promoted the rapid development of German military forces at that time. At the same time, he also made great achievements in diplomacy, planning wars against Denmark, Austria and the second Reich of France. And they all won in the end, but it is such a talented and resourceful prime minister who has been suppressing this matter while calling for the development of overseas colonies at home. In fact, the reason why he did this is also very simple.

On the point of 1, as the real ruler of the German Empire, he clearly understood the difficulties faced by Germany. I also understand the potential crisis if Germany develops overseas colonies. He knew that opening overseas colonies would only bring disadvantages to Germany. If we open the overseas colonies of Germany at that time, we will find that all the places occupied by Germany at that time belonged to areas abandoned by Britain and Spain. These areas are located in places where resources are scarce and cannot bring some benefits to Germany.

Second, if Germany develops overseas colonies, it can only look for places left by Britain and Spain. If it spent a lot of money to build these colonies, it was undoubtedly a loss-making business. The worst thing was that the territory occupied by Germany was fragmented. Unlike British overseas territories, Britain and France will maintain integrity when choosing overseas territories. So that they can support each other when their overseas territories are attacked. Moreover, the overseas world order at that time was basically presided over by Britain and France. Adding another person to share the cake will undoubtedly be opposed by them.

The third point comes from the political system in Europe. Because Germany offended Britain and France when Bismarck established the Second Empire in Central Europe. Although Bismarck quickly pulled the Austrian back to his side through superb diplomatic means, it could not alleviate the hatred with the French. So at that time, Germany not only faced the pressure of living overseas, but also was full of enemy countries on land. Therefore, after Bismarck retired, William II began to expand overseas colonies on a large scale and build a navy. It directly attracted the attention of Britain and constantly criticized Germany in overseas colonial affairs. In the end, Germany was badly hurt.