Triple Alliance

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

an alliance between the States-General and England, against France, for the protection of the Spanish Netherlands; was ratified Jan. 23, 1668. Sweden joined the league, April 25, and it then became known as the Triple Alliance. Another called the Second Triple Alliance, between England, France and Holland, to oppose the designs of Cardinal Alberoni, the Spanish minister; signed by the English and French, Nov. 28, 1716, and by the Dutch at The Hague, Jan. 4, 1717. A Triple Alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and Austria, was concluded against France at St. Petersburg, Sept. 28, 1795. The fourth Triple Alliance was based on a treaty between Austria and Germany, concluded on Oct. 7, 1879, at Gastein, The alliance was defensive only, stipulating that in case of an attack by by Russia on either of the signatories, the other was to assist with all its armed forces. In 1882 Bismarck succeeded in overcoming Italy's enmity toward Austria and having her included in the alliance, which from then on was known as the "Triple Alliance," and which endured until the World War, when Italy espoused the cause of the Allies. The treaty creating the Alliance was not continuous, but was subject to renewal at regular intervals, the last renewal being made in 1912. The adherence of Italy to the Alliance was brought about by her fear of France, especially in Africa. The seizure of Tunis by France in 1881 was undoubtedly more responsible for this action on the part of Italy than any other single factor. On the other hand, however, Austria's retention of the territories in the southern Tyrol populated almost entirely by Italians made it extremely difficult for Italy to assume even a diplomatic friendship for her northern neighbor. Eventually, after the outbreak of the World War, it was this side of the balance which weighed down heaviest, especially as France had, long before the war, come an amicable agreement with Italy to over their separate interests in north Africa.