Can someone explain the alliance system in causes of WW1 please?
Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy had a full offensive-defensive alliance (signed 1882).This meant if any of the 3 got in a war,even if they started it themselves,the other 2 were bound to join in the war on their side. (In the event,Italy backed out in August 1914). Russia and France had a defensive alliance (signed 1892).This meant if either were attacked,the other was bound to join in the war on their side.However,if either France or Russia started a war themselves by attacking another country,the other one WAS NOT bound to join in the war. Britain,Russia,and France formed the Triple Entente.This WAS NOT an alliance, but an ‘understanding’ that they were friends (in reality, an understanding that none of them liked the Germans). In the event of war,the Entente DID NOT bind Britain to join in the war to help France or Russia, or Russia and/or France to help Britain.Or, at least,that was the British interpretation. Under the Treaty of London (1839) Britain guarante
