... this war. A major factor in Modern European History and an explanation for the reasons as to why World War broke out in 1914 was the build up of alliance systems. Philip Bell states, "Germany and Austria were linked in the Dual Alliance, signed originally in 1879. These two powers were also linked with Italy in the Triple Alliance, signed in 1882; but by 1914 this arrangement had grown very uncertain, with Italy becoming increasingly attached from it. France and Russia were associated in an alliance, which was concluded in 1894; and they were also attached to Britain by the loose arrangements often referred to as the Triple Entente. The terminology was important. Alliances were, in principle, binding agreements, under which the partners would go to war in certain circumstances. Ententes involved no such commitment, being limited to provision for consultation and promises of diplomatic support. The Austro-German and Franco-Russian alliances ...

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