The Triple Entente was an alliance formed by England , Russia and France in order to resist and contest the Triple Alliance. It appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1907.
The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance divided the continent into two blocs. This system of alliances was based on an economic, political and military agreement. Thus, they had diplomatic purposes and functioned as a protection between states, protecting them from attacks by rivals.
Abstract
Germany was becoming the biggest industrial power in Europe, so it was a threat to several countries. Together with Austria and Italy they had formed, in 1882, the Triple Alliance.
Before the Triple Entente there was the Anglo-Russian Entente in 1907; the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1891 and the Entente Cordiale , between France and England, in 1904.
Before the composition of countries that characterized the Triple Entente, France and England had pressured the accession of Russia, threatening to withdraw support made to the State if the Russians refused to ally with the British and French. His main interest was focused on the fact that Russia was located in a strategic location.
See also:Triple AllianceWorld War I
Although the objective of both alliances was diplomatic - going towards the maintenance of rights and promotion of interests - with them the First World War broke out, a result of the constant friction between the nations involved.
Economic and political interests that overlapped one state over another gave rise to rivalry. An example is French anti-Germanism, resulting from France's handing over to Germany regions rich in iron ore.
Treaty of London (1915)
In 1915, when World War I was already underway, Italy left the Triple Alliance joining the Triple Entente.
Developments of the First War
When the war started in 1914, the Triple Alliance had greater resources for combat. Germany was advancing and adding enemies, but it was the target of successive defeats and its allies surrendered.
Finally, in 1918, the German surrender is signed, thus ending the end of the First World War.
Allies in the First War
At the beginning of the First World War, the nations of the Triple Entente entered as allies against the central powers - Germany and Austria. Subsequently, the following countries joined:
- Italy
- United States of America
- Portugal
- Brazil
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- South Africa
Read more about World War I:
- Main Battles of World War I
- Causes of World War I
- Consequences of the First World War
- Brazil in World War I