Alliances

Definition

An alliance is an agreement between two or more parties, made in order to advance common goals and to secure common interests. In the context of world history, it often refers to a formal agreement or treaty between two or more nations to cooperate for specific purposes.

Related terms

Triple Alliance: This was a military alliance among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy that lasted from 1882 until the start of World War I in 1914. It was formed as part of a plan to isolate France.

Triple Entente: The Triple Entente was a diplomatic and military understanding established between Russia, Great Britain and France. Formed in 1907, it aimed at countering the growing threat from Germany and its allies.

Central Powers: The Central Powers were one side in World War I. They consisted primarily of the German Empire, Austria-Hungary (the major players within the Triple Alliance), the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria - hence also known as Quadruple Alliance.