The monograph sets out the events of international life in one of the most difficult periods in the history of modern times. The history of the construction of the Suez Canal, the causes of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the Berlin Congress of 1878 are considered. The author of the book creates memorable images of the French businessman F. Lesseps, proclaimed the "builder" of the Suez Canal, an outstanding politician O. Bismarck, Russian diplomats N.P. Ignatiev, P.A. Shuvalov and others. The book is intended for historians and anyone interested in the history of international relations.