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... she was perhaps the most detached power from the States system, this helped prevent these disputes escalating into a major conflict. In 1882 Britain intervened in the Egyptian revolt and assumed control. This infuriated the French who had their own interests there and shattered Anglo-French relations for two decades. Despite this humiliation, France never once attempted to use force against Britain in Egypt. The balance in Europe had been made secure by Bismarck's Triple Alliance (May 1882) and the Three Emperors Alliance (June 1881); whilst Bismarck was concerned that Britain had gained a head start in the partition of the Ottoman Empire, and whilst he was prepared to encourage France to pursue a colonial policy (to divert them from a restless policy in Europe) he was never prepared to guarantee their interests against the British. Thus, the French were unable to take effective action and the dispute did not impair ...