Alliances formed for protection from "summary" of Outbreak of the First World War by David Stevenson
The formation of alliances in the years leading up to the First World War was primarily driven by a desire for protection. European powers sought to align themselves with other countries in order to deter potential aggressors and increase their own security. The idea was that by forming alliances, nations could rely on each other for support in times of crisis and thus decrease the likelihood of being threatened or attacked. These alliances were often based on shared interests or common enemies. For example, the Triple Entente of France, Russia, and Great Britain was formed in response to the growing power of Germany and Austria-Hungary. These countries saw the need to band together in order to counterbalance the strength of their rivals and protect their own interests. Similarly, the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy was established as a defensive measure against the perceived threat of the Triple Entente. By forming this alliance, these countries aimed to deter any potential aggression from their enemies and ensure their own security in an increasingly hostile international environment. The alliances were not only about protection, but also about projecting power and influence on the world stage. By aligning themselves with other major powers, countries were able to increase their own standing and leverage in global affairs. This was particularly important in an era of increasing imperialism and competition for resources and territories.- These alliances also had unintended consequences. The complex web of alliances that had been formed by the early 20th century meant that any conflict between two countries had the potential to draw in multiple other nations, leading to a domino effect of war. This was exactly what happened when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered a chain reaction that ultimately led to the outbreak of the First World War.
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