Evaluate the impact of the Congress of Berlin on the European Alliance system.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the Congress of Berlin on the European Alliance system. Candidates may refer to the increasing tensions between Austria-Hungary and Russia and the fracturing of the Dreikaiserbund. Consequently, Bismarck signed the Dual Alliance with Austria in 1879 and temporarily revived the Dreikaiserbund in 1881. Candidates may discuss Russia being thwarted with regard to its Pan-Slavism in the Balkans, damaging its relations with Austria and Germany, and limiting the importance of the Dreikaiserbund. Some may argue that the impact was long term and contributed to the Franco-Russian Alliance 1894. The main impact of the Congress was the establishment of the long lasting Dual Alliance. Candidates may refer to Britain and Austria finding ways of expanding their spheres of influence. While other relevant factors, for example the role of the Ottoman empire, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.