The main intention of the alliances formed among European nations before World War I was to provide a framework for mutual defense and to maintain the balance of power in Europe. The major alliances were the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, and the Triple Entente, comprising France, Russia, and Britain.
These alliances aimed to deter aggression from rival nations and enhance each member's security. By formalizing relationships through treaties, countries hoped to prevent conflict and maintain peace. However, these alliances also had the unintended consequence of escalating tensions and creating an environment where a local conflict could easily trigger a much wider war, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The entrapment of nations into their obligations led to a domino effect that turned a regional dispute into a global conflict.