Triple Alliance Flashcards
Why was it desirable to form an alliance with Germany?
Germany had only been unified in 1871
It was economically powerful
It was becoming more militarily powerful
Italy was angry with France’s claim to Tunisia
Why was the alliance beneficial
It provided security against French aggression
By being an ally with Austria, it ensured Austria would not attempt to re-take Venetia
It showed Italy was growing in power and had powerful allies
It helped to stop the rise of republicanism
Why did Italians not like the alliance
Although the Triple Alliance was renewed in 1891 and 1892, it was strongly disliked by Italians as it made Italy an ally of Austria.
Relations with Britain
Britain supplied coal and iron to Italy. Italy therefore insisted that the Triple Alliance not be directed against Britain – but this was not included in the 1887 or 1890 renegotiation of the treaty but Italy still promised not to act against Britain. .
In 1887, Britain, Italy and Austria-Hungary promised to keep the balance of power as it was in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Balkans.
Britain agreed to support Italy in Tripoli in exchange for Italian support in Egypt.
In 1907, King Edward VII met Victor Emmanuel III
Relations with France
Relations were poor because of Tunisia, high tariffs being charged for each country’s goods and the French support for the Pope but from the 1890’s things started to improve.
1896: Franco-Italian Convention saw Italy recognise French control over Tunisia in return for some concessions
1898: an agreement was reached to end the trade war
1900 and 1902: Italy and France respected each other’s ambitions in Morocco and Libya and Italy said it would not join Germany in invading France in the future
1903: Victor Emmanuel III visited Paris and the next year, the French president visited Rome
Russia
1909: Italy signed the Raconigi Agreement with Russia after Austria annexed Bosnia.
They promised to work to preserve the status quo in the Balkans. Russia agreed to be neutral over Italy’s actions in Libya. Italy agreed to support Russian plans to use the Dardanelles for shipping.
Austria
Days later, Italy also made an agreement with Austria-Hungary which appeared to contradict the agreement with Russia.
Was Italy committed to the Alliance
Required to stay neutral
Trade with alliance
Austro-Hungary prevented from re-taking Italy
Was Italy not committed to the alliance
Coal and iron from Britain
Secret agreements with France regarding attacks
1906: supported France and Britain against Germany and signed RA
