1. Escalating Tensions with Germany: Germany's growing industrial and military power, combined with its increasingly aggressive foreign policy, created a sense of unease among Britain, France, and Russia. Germany's policies, such as the construction of a powerful navy and the expansion of its colonial empire, were perceived as a threat by these countries.
2. Franco-Russian Alliance (1894): France and Russia had formed a defensive alliance in response to Germany's growing power. This alliance solidified their commitment to mutual support in the event of war against any other European country.
3. British Support for France and Russia: Britain, while not initially part of a formal alliance, maintained close diplomatic relations with France and Russia. These relationships were based on shared interests, such as the preservation of the balance of power in Europe and the protection of British colonies around the world.
4. Breakdown of the Anglo-German Alliance: Britain and Germany had a series of informal agreements known as the "Splendid Isolation" to maintain a balance of power in Europe. However, these agreements gradually weakened due to Germany's territorial ambitions and competition in arms manufacturing.
5. Moroccan Crisis (1905-1906): The Moroccan Crisis was a series of diplomatic standoffs between France, Germany, and Britain regarding control over Morocco. The crisis highlighted the increasing tensions between the European powers and demonstrated the potential for conflict over imperial expansion.
6. Signing of the Triple Entente (1907): In response to these developing tensions, Britain, France, and Russia signed a series of agreements that formalized their cooperation and mutual support. These agreements covered various aspects of their diplomatic relations, including the resolution of colonial disputes and the commitment to consultations in case of threats from other countries.
The Triple Entente was not a military alliance in the same way that the earlier Franco-Russian Alliance was, but it signaled a significant shift in the European balance of power and the growing alignment of interests between Britain, France, and Russia. This alignment of powers played a crucial role in shaping the diplomatic alliances and conflicts that led to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.