Bismarck united Germany and isolated France through a system of alliances, creating stability. Kaiser Wilhelm II later dismissed Bismarck and refused to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia, allowing the French and Russians to form an alliance. Growing German naval and industrial power threatened British interests, leading Britain to form the Entente Cordial with France and an alliance with Russia, creating the Triple Entente against the German-led Triple Alliance. Nationalism in the Balkans and competition over colonies destabilized Europe as militarism rose across the continent.