To Bismarck the conclusion of the Treaty of May 20, 1882, was the culmination of this system

Bismarck Negotiated and signed in May 1881,

the Triple Alliance brought Italy into the alliance previously agreed between Germany and Austria- Hungary (in 1879) as a counterweight to France and Russia. Under the provisions of this treaty, Germany and Austria-Hungary promised to assist Italy if she were attacked by France, and vice versa: Italy was bound to lend aid to Germany or Austria-Hungary if France declared war against either.

Additionally, should any signatory find itself at war with two powers (or more), the other two were to provide military assistance. One of the chief aims of Bismarck was to prevent Italy from declaring war against Austria- Hungary, towards whom the Italians were in constant dispute over territorial matters.

Although regularly renewed up until the outbreak of war in 1915, the Triple Alliance was essentially ineffective with regard to Italy’s participation, for in 1902 (just five months after the latest renewal of the Alliance) Italy reached an understanding with France that each would remain neutral in the event of an attack upon the other. Triple alliance among Germany, Austria, and Italy, concluded for five years and renewed at intervals until 1915.

According to the provisions of the treaty if Italy was attacked by France without provocation, Germany and Austria would come to Italy’s aid; Italy was to come to Germany’s aid if the latter was attacked by France; if one or two of the contracting parties were attacked or involved in war with two or more great powers, the nonattached member or members of the alliance should come to the aid of the other or others; if one of the allies should be forced to make war on some other great power, the others were to preserve benevolent neutrality.

The treaty was the result of Italy’s isolation after the French occupation of Tunis and also a reflection of popular demand for security against radicalism and the prospect of intervention by other powers in behalf of the pope. The Italians wanted above all a treaty of guaranty, assuring them of the possession of Rome.