1892 & 1894:

Franco Russian Alliance

Aika Basilio
 What was the Franco Russian Alliance?

During the late 19th century, countries sought an

alliance with other countries to guarantee their own
safety, preserve peace and sometimes to help their
economic position.
It was a military alliance between the Russian
Empire (which existed from 1892 to 1917) and the
French Third Republic.
France was allies with Russia economically,
militarily and financially until 1917.
The pact was renewed in 1899 and 1912.
 Significance of the Franco Russian Alliance

It ended Frances diplomatic isolation.

One of the basic European alignments of the pre
World War I era. In the event of war, France wanted
support against Germany, and Russia against
Austria-Hungary.
 Franco Russian Alliance

Both countries wanted different things from the

alliance but there was one common reason between
them, and that was to oppose Germany.
France, Russia and Germany all contributed to the
alliance being formed, either through their aims or
what they did.
 Franco Russian Alliance

France wanted revenge on Germany for the Franco -

Prussian war of 1970 1971 because they were
defeated.
Germany aimed to stay free from an invasion from
France and keep Austria-Hungary happy as France
and Austria- Hungary were on either side of
Germany.
Russia wanted an ally so it could feel safe from
Germany.
 Franco Russian Alliance

France needed an ally because they felt extremely

vulnerable, this was mainly due to Bismarck and
Germany.
Bismarck had been successful in isolating France
diplomatically.
France couldn't ally with Britain because Britain kept
itself in "splendid isolation", so Russia was really the
only real choice as they were the only other great
power who was strong and disliked Germany.
 Franco Russian Alliance

France feared Germanys strong military.

To oppose the German - British alliance, France
agreed the Franco-Russian alliance.
Russia couldn't form an alliance with Britain,
because Britain didn't want to make an alliance at
this time and they kept themselves isolated.
 Franco Russian Alliance

France lent Russia money so they could build up

their army.
France gave Russia military assistance in weapons
and continued helping with arms development.
During the 1880's Russia was borrowing up to 2
million francs every year from the French, so an
alliance would hopefully secure the very important
financial support.