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.