During the early 20th century, the larger powers in Europe began forming alliances as a means to ensure that war would not occur between themselves and their allied country. More alliances were formed with binding clauses and agreements which would force countries to have a common enemy, rather than force them to have common friends. The alliances formed prior to World War I were in fact more harmful to Europe's security than they were helpful, especially in the cases of ____________.
One of the most crucial alliances in causing a World War in 1914 was the Dual Alliance between Russia and France. The alliance was clearly aimed against Germany. Basically, should Germany or an allying country in conjunction with Germany should attack either Russia, France will be available for military support, and similarly with France.
One of Germany's largest and most competitive opponents was Britain. Britain for the most part was isolationist. She was more interested in colonial exploration than the troubles on the continent, but still relied on the continent for trade and economic stability. As Germany became an increasing economic and military rival, Britain thought it fair to establish an alliance with Germany, and if unsuccessful, with a foe of Germany. Bismarck had on three separate occasions tried to establish alliance negotiations with Britain. There was no success in even getting a serious response from Britain. In 1895 Britain offered to negotiate with Germany, but with no real response for about three years. Unsure of who to turn to for an alliance, Britain first approached Russia with an entente, which was rejected out of suspicion. Following this rejection, a formal alliance was offered to Germany by Joseph Chamberlain, the British Colonial Secretary, on March 29, 1898. .
