In the late 1860’s, Prussian Chancellor Bismarck made it his goal to create a unified German Empire. Once accomplished, he was proactive in his efforts to solidify Germany’s elevated status and fearful of attack from surrounding nations. The conclusion he deemed logical was to establish a series of alliance and cooperative foreign policy. A dual alliance was agreed upon between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany then unsuccessfully attempted to engage in an alliance with Russia. To gain additional power and influence, the dual alliance was later expanded to the Triple alliance with the inclusion of Italy. (Wilde, n.d.)