Before 1914, Europe's main powers were divided into two armed camps by a series of alliances. These were

• The Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy (1882)

• The Triple Entente of Britain, Russia and France (1907)

 

Although these alliances were defensive in nature, they meant that any conflict between one country from each alliance was bound to involve the other countries. The fact that Germany faced a war on two fronts greatly influenced her actions during the July Crisis.

 

By 1914, Italy was only a nominal member of the Triple Alliance. She had concluded a secret treaty with France by which she promised to stay neutral if Germany attacked France and when war broke out she stayed out. This meant that Germany had only one dependable ally, Austria-Hungary.

 

The main rivalries between the powers were:

• Germany and France over Alsace. This division made an alliance between both countries impossible.

• Russia and Austria over the Balkans.

• Britain and Germany over their navies and economic power.

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Secondary alliances and treaties include:

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• The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty (defensive pact) of 1373 (Still active today!)

• The Treaty of London (1839) where Germany, Great Britain and France were solemnly bound to respect and to defend the neutrality of Belgium

• The Russian empire had friendly relations with Montenegro and an alliance with Serbia