Since 1870s, the German Empire’s policy towards France was to keep it isolated
Bismarck hoped that if the French had no powerful friends, they would be unable to seek out revanche, a popular policy which came as a result of the Franco-Prussian War
The formation of the Dual Alliance forced France to form alliances with other Powers
As Britain were following the policy of ‘Splendid Isolation’ and imperial rivalry was still alive, Russia emerged as the most likely ally
