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Alliances draw major powers into escalating tensions from "summary" of The Origins of the First World War by Annika Mombauer

The building of alliances among major powers prior to World War I played a significant role in drawing these countries into escalating tensions. These alliances were formed as a means of creating a balance of power in Europe, with countries aligning themselves with one another for security and protection. However, instead of promoting stability, these alliances often had the opposite effect, as they created a system of interlocking commitments that increased the risk of conflict. The alliance system in Europe was complex and fragile, with countries divided into two opposing camps – the Triple Entente (comprising France, Russia, and Great Britain) and the Triple Alliance (comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances were not static, and countries were constantly reassessing their relationships with one another based on changing political circumstances and perceived threats. The formation of these alliances created a sense of solidarity among member countries, which in turn led to a heightened sense of obligation to come to each other's aid in the event of a crisis. This meant that a conflict between two countries within the alliance system had the potential to draw in multiple other countries, leading to a domino effect of escalating tensions and military mobilization. The alliance system also had the effect of reducing the flexibility of major powers in their diplomatic relations, as countries were constrained by their commitments to their allies. This meant that diplomatic solutions to conflicts were often hampered by the need to consider the interests and concerns of other alliance members, making it difficult to de-escalate tensions and avoid war.
  1. The alliance system that emerged in Europe in the years leading up to World War I served to entrench divisions between major powers and increase the likelihood of conflict. By binding countries together in a network of commitments and obligations, alliances drew major powers into escalating tensions and made the outbreak of war more likely.
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The Origins of the First World War

Annika Mombauer

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