History of Europe

What were the purposes of triple alliance and entente?

The Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente were two competing systems of alliances that formed in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both alliances were formed in response to the growing power of Germany, which had emerged as a major power in Europe following its victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

The Triple Alliance:

In 1879, Germany formed the Dual Alliance with Austria-Hungary, a response to Russian expansionism in the Balkans. Italy joined the alliance in 1882, hoping to gain support against France in North Africa.

The Triple Entente

In 1907, Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente as a response to the growing power of Germany. The Triple Entente was not a formal military alliance, but rather a loose agreement between the three powers to consult and cooperate on matters of foreign policy.