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Reinsurance TreatyThe Reinsurance Treaty (June 18 1887) was an attempt by Bismarck to continue to ally with Russia after the League of the Three Emperors broke down. Bismarck felt that this was essential to continue the diplomatic isolation of France so ensuring German security. The treaty was split in two parts: - In this secret agreement, Germany and Russia pledged to remain neutral if the other went to war. One major flaw, however, was its failure to mention consequences in the highly possible event of war between Russia and Austria-Hungary instigated by Russia.
- In the most secret completion protocol Germany declared herself neutral in the case of a Russian intervention in the Bosporus and the Dardanelles.
The treaty was only effective for three years. In 1890 Germany refused to renew it even on Russian demands. The reason for the German decision was that the treaty was thought to undermine the Triple Alliance (1882) with Austria-Hungary and Italy. In 1896 the treaty was exposed by a German newspaper, the Hamburger Abendnachrichten, which forced an uproar in Germany and Austria-Hungary.
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