Question

Name the signatory countries of the Triple Alliance (1882). State the rival bloc that was formed.

Answer 1

Hint: Before the formation of Triple Alliance, an alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary existed known as Dual Alliance. Later, the Dual Alliance was joined by Italy, who was looking for military support after losing the war to France, leading to the formation of Triple Alliance.

Complete answer:
Triple Alliance is a secret agreement between 3 European nations (currently four) formed on May 20th 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. The alliance was formed to isolate France and to provide assurance to each other in case the above country came under an attack. The treaty termed that Germany and Austria-Hungary will help Italy if attacked by France and in return, Italy will do the same for Germany and would stay neutral if Russia attacks Austria-Hungary.

The Triple Alliance was negotiated and led by the then Prussian Prime Minister and German Chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck. He saw this alliance as a way to avert isolation of the German Empire which was formed in 1871.

In 1883, the alliance was joined by Romania which created a powerful Central European bloc. Later, in 1891, an unsuccessful attempt to include Britain into the alliance was made. The alliance was renewed twice, first in 1887 and then in and in 1902. In 1902 only, Italy entered into a similar secret agreement with France where they promised to remain neutral in case of any attack on each other.

Note: The alliance came to an end in 1914 after the outbreak of World War 1, which Italy entered against Germany and Austria-Hungary who were in war with Triple Entente. Triple Entente was an informal alliance between the Russian Empire, the French and Great Britain.