After defeating France in 1870, Bismarck, the German Chancellor, wanted to
isolate France. He made a secret alliance with Austria in 1879 and Italy and Austria
in 1882.Hence it was called Tripple Alliance . France made a mutual alliance with
Russia in 1891 and with Britain in 1904. To protect itself, Russia, France and
Britain formed their Triple Entente in 1907.The Triple Alliance led by Germany
and the Triple Entente made the European powers jealous and suspicious of one
another. Instead of real peace, these alliances created an atmosphere of fear and
‘armed peace’ in Europe.
Militarism is the belief that military power is the best way to ensure security
and to solve problems. The military expenditure of the six powerful countries (viz.
Germany, Russia, Austria, Italy, France and Britain) increased by over three times,
i.e. from £ 132 million to £ 397 million during the years from 1880 to 1914.
There are three important things in the context of militarism. Firstly, all
these countries had built massive standing armies for their defence. Secondly, they
competed with each other in increasing their military weapons. They encouraged
people to support wars. Thirdly, a large industry of weapons emerged which
constantly promoted the idea of using war as a solution to diplomatic problems.
