"In the first decade of the 20th century, the Triple Entente powers of Great Britain, France, and Russia stood against the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (which remained neutral when war broke out but then joined the Entente powers in 1915). The terms of each state's commitment to its allies varied, but a general promise of aid was either stated or inferred."
"It was hoped that the system of alliances would create a balance of power, deter aggression, and maintain peace, but the alliances only added to a long list of other causes of WWI. In the end, signatures on paper became subservient to each nation's determination to either remain or become a global power, which resulted in leaders and generals competing for control of the territory and resources of other nations."
The alliance system in Europe contributed to the causes of the First World War without making war inevitable. Two main blocs formed: the Triple Entente of Great Britain, France, and Russia, and the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Commitments among allies varied, with promises of aid sometimes explicit and sometimes implied. The alliances aimed to maintain a balance of power and deter aggression but instead compounded other tensions. Ultimately national ambitions for global power and control of territory and resources overrode diplomatic agreements and drove leaders toward military confrontation.
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