Abstract
From 1872 to 1907, a series of alliances are formed among European major powers. The international system formed by German chancellor Bismarck in order to ensure Germany's hegemony within Europe and prevent a possible French revenge disappears in 1890. Then, the European powers gather in two hostile groups: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (Great-Britain, France, Russia). From 1904 onward, some conflicts oppose the main European countries and those tensions will eventually lead to the First World War. Being victorious over Napoleon III's France, in September 1871, Germany enjoys a certain hegemony on continental Europe during the following twenty years. This hegemony is due to the chancellor and prince of Bismarck, who conducts a clever diplomatic policy. Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) is a man of the Old Regime.
