European states built alliance systems to defend and further their interests. As conflict emerged between some states, others joined to protect those alliances.

Question

Answer

Pro: Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire made an alliance to balance against Russian and French expansion.

Answer

Pro: Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente to counter the allied Central powers. They all agreed to defend each other if invaded.

Answer

Con: These alliances did not force states to enter the war against their will.

What caused World War One?

European states built alliance systems to defend and further their interests. As conflict emerged between some states, others joined to protect those alliances.

Pros

Cons

Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire made an alliance to balance against Russian and French expansion.

Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente to counter the allied Central powers. They all agreed to defend each other if invaded.

These alliances did not force states to enter the war against their will.

Selected thesis

European states built alliance systems to defend and further their interests. As conflict emerged between some states, others joined to protect those alliances.

Pro claim 1, children below

Germany, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire made an alliance to balance against Russian and French expansion.

Pro claim 2, children below

Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente to counter the allied Central powers. They all agreed to defend each other if invaded.

Con claim 1, children below

These alliances did not force states to enter the war against their will.