The Power Of Europe: The Two Alliances Of World War I

The six major powers of Europe were split into two alliances that would form the two oppositions in World War I. France, Britain, and Russia formed the Triple Entente, while Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy created the Triple Alliance. The alliances were not the only cause of the First World War, but they assuredly did play an important part in quickening Europe's rush to conflict. Soon after a series of military victories from 1862 to 1871, Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck formed a German state out of several small states. However, after unifying multiple states, Bismarck feared Austria-Hungary and France might try to dismantle Germany. To avoid this threat, Bismarck created a series of alliances that would stabilize the balance of
All three of these nations pledged support should of any of them be attacked by France. In addition if any member were to find themselves at war with two or more nations at the same time, the alliance would come to their aid. Italy, the weakest of the nations voided the deal if the Triple Alliance members were the perpetrators. Soon after, Italy signed a deal with France, pledging support if Germany were to attack
The terms tied both nations into aiding each other should they be involved in a war. This agreement was designed to counter the Triple Alliance. In 1904, France and England pledge military support to one another despite Britain not supporting France in the Franco-Prussian war. Three years later, Britain signed a similar alliance with Russia. During the war, the Triple Entente fought the Triple Alliance, although Italy quickly switched sides. The conflict went on for four years, and eventually ended up bringing the US into the conflict as well. By the time the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, more than eleven million soldiers and seven million civilians were