<P> On 22 October 1873, Bismarck negotiated an agreement between the monarchs of Austria--Hungary, Russia and Germany . The alliance sought to resurrect the Holy Alliance of 1815 and act as a bulwark against radical sentiments the conservative rulers found unsettling . It was preceded by the Schönbrunn Convention signed by Russia and Austria--Hungary on 6 June 1873 . </P> <P> Bismarck often led the League as it assessed challenges centered on maintaining the balance of power among the states involved and Europe at large . This cornerstone of his political philosophy included dedication to preserving the status quo and avoiding war . Despite German victory in the Franco - Prussian War of 1870 - 71, the violence remained fresh in the newly united state's memory and made Germany reluctant to antagonize the French, but keen as ever to limit their power . According to the coalition, radical socialist bodies like the First International represented one of the other key threats to regional stability and dominance . For this reason, the League actively opposed the expansion of their influence . The League also met crisis in the East where Bulgarian unrest elicited violent reaction from the Ottoman forces there, which in turn met with horror from observing states . The account of the insurrection from an Englishman named Sir Edwin Pears both describes the atrocities in gruesome detail and reveals British surprise at their extent . </P> <P> The collective initially disbanded in 1878 over territorial disputes in the Balkans as Austria - Hungary feared that Russian support for Serbia might ultimately ignite irredentist passions in its tenuously grasped Slav populations . Russian authorities likewise feared insurrection, should a Pan-Slavism movement gain too much clout . The body's first conclusion in 1879 gave way to the defensive Dual Alliance between Austria - Hungary and Germany to counter potential Russian aggression . In 1882 Italy joined this agreement to form the Triple Alliance . </P> <P> The 1878 Treaty of Berlin left Russia feeling cheated of her gains made in the Russo - Turkish War . Her key role in European diplomacy was not, however, forgotten by Bismarck . A more formal, officially documented The Three Emperors' Alliance was concluded on 18 June 1881 . It lasted for three years; it was renewed in 1884 but lapsed in 1887 . Both alliances ended because of conflicts of interest between Austria - Hungary and Russia in the Balkans . To preserve common understanding with Russia, Germany signed the mutual Reinsurance Treaty in 1887 . </P>

Why did russia leave the three emperors league