WORLD+WAR+1MINDY

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 MILITARISM AND ALLIANCES
 === By 1871 Prussia had united Germany and proclaimed the birth of the German Empire. It quickly became one of the most powerful nations in the world. The creation of Germany transformed European politics. In 1870, as a part of their plan to unify Germany, the Prussian had attacked and defeated France. They forced France to give up territories, that is when France and Germany became enemies. At that point, to protect itself, Germany formed an alliance with Italy and with Austria-Hungary. That became known as the Triple Alliance . Russia wanted to support against Austria-Hungary and Germany, resulting to Russia and France forming an alliance, promising to come to each other's aid in a war with the Triple Alliance. The system of alliances in Europe encouraged militarism . Germans militarism eventually forced Britain to become involved. Britain's policy was to support the weaker countries against the stronger ones. By the late 1800's Germany became the strongest nation in Europe. Germany and Britain convinced British to establish closer relations with France and Russia, but British refused to sign a formal alliance, so their new relation ship was known as entente cordiale (a friendly understanding). Later on Britain, France, and Russia became known as the Triple Entente . ===