Why did Italy refuse to join its Triple Alliance partners, Germany and Austria-Hungary, when the war broke out in 1914?
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Correct answer: It argued the alliance only applied to defensive wars
Italy maintained that because Austria-Hungary had declared war on Serbia, the defensive terms of the Triple Alliance did not apply. Italy remained neutral until 1915, when it joined the Allies via the Treaty of London.
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More Major Alliances questions
- Which 1879 alliance served as the foundation for the Central Powers, linking Germany and Austria-Hungary?
- Russia’s 1894 alliance with France was primarily motivated by a mutual fear of which rising power?
- What was the primary reason for the United Kingdom to end its policy of 'Splendid Isolation' and seek alliances?
- Which Balkan nation’s 1915 entry into the war on the side of the Central Powers led to the defeat of Serbia?
- The 'Reinsurance Treaty' was a secret 1887 agreement between which two nations that eventually lapsed, shifting the balance of power?
- What was the 'Blank Check' in the context of WWI alliances?