History - Power and Conflict

What was the Triple Alliance?

An alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed in 1882.

What was the Triple Entente and when was it formed?

An alliance between Britain, France and Russia developed through agreements made between 1894 and 1907.

Why did alliances increase tension in Europe?

A conflict between two countries could draw their allies into a much larger war.

What was the main weakness of the Triple Alliance?

Italy was unreliable and eventually joined the Allies in 1915.

Why did Britain initially avoid joining a formal alliance?

Britain traditionally followed a policy of avoiding permanent European commitments called splendid isolation and relied on its naval strength and empire.