A secret Russo-German neutrality pact whose non-renewal in 1890 pushed Russia toward France, contributing to alliances that preceded World War I.
Key Facts
- In effect
- 1887 to 1890
- Signed
- 18 June 1887
- Parties
- German Empire and Russian Empire
- Key architect
- Chancellor Otto von Bismarck
- Successor alliance
- Franco-Russian Alliance (1891–1892 to 1917)
- Secrecy
- Known only to a handful of officials in Berlin and St. Petersburg
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Otto von Bismarck sought to maintain European stability and German dominance through a web of secret agreements. After the League of the Three Emperors lapsed, Bismarck needed a new mechanism to prevent Russia from aligning with France, Germany's principal adversary, and to manage tensions arising from Austro-Russian rivalry in the Balkans.
Signed on 18 June 1887, the Reinsurance Treaty committed Germany and Russia to mutual neutrality if either became involved in a war with a third great power, excepting a German attack on France or a Russian attack on Austria-Hungary. Germany additionally recognized Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia as within the Russian sphere of influence and pledged support for Russian interests in the Black Sea.
When Bismarck was dismissed in 1890, Foreign Ministry officials persuaded Kaiser Wilhelm II not to renew the treaty. Denied the alliance, Russia opened negotiations with France, producing the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1891–1892. Historians regard this realignment as a major strategic setback for Germany and a significant long-term cause of the First World War.
Political Outcome
The treaty lapsed in 1890 upon Bismarck's dismissal and was not renewed, driving Russia into alliance with France.
Germany maintained a secret neutrality agreement with Russia, limiting Russian incentive to ally with France.
Without the treaty, Russia formed the Franco-Russian Alliance, creating a two-front strategic threat to Germany.