On this day: 1882 - Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy is formed

The red area represents the Triple Alliance in 1913.

The Triple Alliance was a military alliance involving Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. The Alliance lasted from May 20 1882 to the start of World War One in 1914. Each country promised to fight for each other if there was an attack.

After the Alliance was renewed in 1902, Italy secretly made an alliance with France.

In August 1914 Germany and Austria-Hungary found themselves at war with the enemy Triple Entente of Britain, France and Russia. Italy promised their support for the Central Powers including Germany and Austria-Hungary but they did not enter the war because the Triple Alliance was designed as a defensive alliance, however Germany and Austria-Hungary were fighting on the offensive.  

Later, Italy entered the battle on the side of the Entente fighting against Austria-Hungary in May 1915 and Germany in August 1916.