What is the alliance system? Alliance systems have existed throughout history. Some have been viewed as the key to preserving the peace while others have been considered to jeopardize it. An alliance system definition is a mutual agreement, outlined in a document, between at least two (or more) countries. An alliance system can address political, economic, or military concerns and include conditions that provide for the collective security of the alliance. Details contained in the formal agreement spell out what each of the countries must do in the event of another's security being in jeopardy.
The alliances definition WW1 is an agreement between two or more countries to support each other during war. The alliance system WW1 was created before the war began. Some alliance systems dated back as early as the late 1800s. Many European countries were concerned about the future power of Germany when it was formed as an independent country in 1871. Several different alliances were created in the late 1800s as a result, often created in secret. These mutual defense agreements were considered to add additional security and protection to European nations. The two main alliance systems in World War One were the Central Powers and the Allied Powers.
How Did the Alliance System Cause WWI?
How did the alliance system cause WW1? Both the Allied and the Central Powers were very concerned by the perceived threat by the other side. As one country grew stronger, so did its alliance. This, in turn, caused concern among enemies and their perceived threat. This vicious cycle dominated the mindset of many leaders in the years leading up to World War One. Although the alliance system itself didn't cause World War One, it definitely didn't prevent it from happening either. Because of the alliance system, much of which was in secret, war with one country meant war with all, as it would cause a ripple effect among nations.
After the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbia terrorist Gavrillo Princip, it appeared as though the war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia was inevitable. Due to the alliance system, however, this war would not simply be a war between two countries. Historically, Russia was Serbia's proctor and when Russia entered the war to protect Serbia, the ripple effect was launched when Germany joined the war to support its ally in Austria-Hungary.