The first of these alliances was called the Triple Alliance. This alliance was formed in 1882. These members were Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. However, Italy was not a main actor in this alliance, because they had come to a neutrality agreement with France. Because of German ties to Austria, if Russia were to help Serbia, that would mean Russia would also have to face Germany. If Russia was going to have any involvement in the conflict whatsoever, the support of France was desperately needed. This need developed the second major alliance formed prior to World War I. This alliance was known as the Triple Entente. Like the Triple Alliance, the Triple Entente consisted of three members, and linked together Russia, Great Britain, and France. Russia and France had been in alliance since the year 1894, but Great Britain was added in by negotiation in 1907. This alliance provided a powerful counter alliance to the one previously established by …show more content…
Although they entered the war with the largest army, having 1,400,000 soldiers standing, and over 5,000,000 soldiers when mobilized, the country’s military was still behind (Encyclopedia of Marxism, n.d.). This issue was due to the country being behind in technological advancements, such as weapons. Another issue the country faced with their military was issues with the terrain, lacking efficient ways to travel, and a good road system.
Russia, through their presence in the Balkans, and alliance with Serbia, had enough of a political reason to be involved in the war. However, the stakes were very high. With the state of their country economically and socially being below average at best, the monarchy could fall with another loss, and the people of Russia could struggle tremendously. The country’s decision to engage in war would be one of two options: the rise of the country, or the tragic fall of