The Triple Alliance was a military agreement formed in 1882 between three countries: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. This alliance aimed to provide mutual support in case any of the member nations were attacked. It was part of a larger system of alliances in Europe that sought to maintain a balance of power and deter aggression from rival nations. The alliance played a significant role in the events leading up to and during World War I. When the war began in 1914, the Triple Alliance was opposed by the Triple Entente, which included France, Russia, and Britain. The shifting alliances and tensions contributed to the outbreak of the conflict.