Answer:
The victories in the Austro-Prussian War and Franco-Prussian War had established Germany as not only a rising industrial and economic superpower but also as an aggressive political state.
Germany had rapidly advanced its navy to gain greater control of the seas which pointed to Germany’s colonial ambitions and caused Britain also to end her policy of ‘splendid isolation’ in Europe.
Germany’s dominance over Europe was a matter of concern for France, Russia, and Britain. To keep Germany in check, talks began taking place between various nations in an effort to isolate Germany and maintain the balance of power.
Fearing a possible Franco-Russian Alliance, Germany appealed to her neighbors to form a coalition that could match the power of France and Russia.
France had begun supporting Russia in her economic development and their friendship caused further hysteria in Europe.
Despite the enmity between Austria-Hungary and Germany rooted in the Austro-Prussian War, both the nations decided to form a military alliance in Central Europe against their common enemy, Russia.
Austria-Hungary feared the interference of Russia in the Balkan affairs while Germany feared the possibility of Russia allying with France.
In order to discourage Russia from waging war against Germany or Austria, both nations resolved their differences and created the Dual Alliance on 7 October 1879.
After negotiations between Austria-Hungary and Italy on similar principles, Chancellor Bismarck had successfully formed the Triple Alliance on 20 May 1882 promising each signing nation mutual support and selective neutrality.
Neither Austria-Hungary nor Italy were keen to ally with each other, however, after significant pressure from Germany, Austria-Hungary accepted mutual agreement and consultation with Italy on territorial alteration in the Balkans or the Aegean and Adriatic coasts.
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