Triple Alliance

In 1879 Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to form a Dual Alliance. This became the Triple Alliance when in 1882 it was expanded to include Italy. The three countries agreed to support each other if attacked by either France or Russia. It was renewed at five-yearly intervals. The formation of the Triple Entente in 1907 by Britain, France and Russia, reinforced the need for the alliance.

Illustration from Neil Demarco's The Great WarTriple Alliance Resources in 1914
Illustration from Neil Demarco's The Great War
Triple Alliance Resources in 1914
Country

Population

Soldiers

Battleships

Foreign Trade (£)

Steel Production (tons)

Germany

65,000,000

8,500,000

37

1,030,380,000

17,024,000

Austro-Hungary

49,882,231

3,000,000

16

198,712,000

2,642,000

Turkey

21,373,900

360,000

-

67,472,000

-