The Alliance System (AQA GCSE History)

The Alliance System - Timeline & Summary

Alliances and treaties were nothing new in Europe; they had been a big part of European politics for centuries. For example, the Treaty of London in 1839 was signed by many European nations to recognise Belgium as an independent country and promised to defend Belgium from an attack.

However, many historians believe that the creation of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente was one of the main causes of the First World War. These 'secret' alliance systems divided Europe into two rival groups, which led to a lot of tension across the continent.

These alliances created tension because countries with long histories of rivalry were now supporting each other. For instance, Germany felt threatened when France and Russia became allies in 1892, and then Britain and France allied in 1904. Countries also became worried about possible invasions as more and more alliances were made.

While not all alliances were military agreements, most were. When Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914, these alliances were set into motion, and war quickly broke out.

The Triple Alliance

• In 1878, the Dual Alliance was created between Germany and Austria-Hungary

  • This alliance was a military alliance as they agreed to help each other if they were attacked

  • They were natural allies as they had a shared history, culture and language

• In 1882, the Triple Alliance also known as the Central Powers, included Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy

  • They promised to provide each other with military support if they were attacked

Franco-Russian Alliance

• The Franco-Russian Alliance was created in 1892, between France and Russia

  • After France's defeat to Germany in the 1871 Franco-Prussian war, they wanted to protect themselves from Germany

  • This alliance was a military alliance as they agreed to help each other if they were attacked

    • This would result in Germany being encircled by Russia and France

Entente Cordiale

• The Entente Cordiale was created in 1904, between Britain and France

  • It is known as a 'friendly understanding' and was a non-military agreement

  • Britain created this alliance as it was concerned about the growing German threat

    • Germany wanted to have an empire and a strong navy, which Britain believed was a threat to their empire

  • This agreement did not commit Britain to joining France and Russia if war broke out

  • The alliance agreed to:

    • protect each other's colonies in Africa

    • naval spheres of influence in the Mediterranean and North Sea

  • This agreement saw the end of Britain's Splendid Isolationism

Anglo-Russian Entente

• The Anglo-Russian Entente was created in 1907, between Britain and Russia

  • After Russia's defeat to Japan in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 Britain saw Russia as less of a threat

  • This agreement resolved issues over Russian and British territories

  • Although it was not a military agreement it resulted in:

    • the creation of the Triple Entente in 1907

    • a rise in tensions as Germany felt more encircled

The Triple Entente

• The Triple Entente was created in 1907, between Britain, France and Russia

  • All three countries were concerned about Germany's growing power

  • This alliance did not include a military agreement

  • They agreed that they had a 'moral obligation' to support each other

    • After the war broke out in 1914, the Entente powers signed a military alliance

• This alliance increased tensions in Europe as it confirmed Germany's fear of encirclement