Alliance: An agreement between two or more countries to work together for the benefit of each country. To help each other in a time of conflict or to accomplish a goal.
Alliances are seen as long-term causes of WWI. As well as seeking protection in the size of their armies, the countries sought security by forming alliances. These agreements between nations meant that a single event could pull many countries into conflict. Alliances, which were created sometimes secretly, took time to develop, therefore making them a long-term cause. Two major alliances created prior to WWI were the Triple Entente (Allies) and the Triple Alliance (Central Powers). The Triple Entente consisted of Great Britain, France and Russia. The Triple Alliance were made