Dual Alliance

Dual Alliance, 1879–82: see Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.

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Austro-German Alliance

 or Dual Alliance

(1879) Pact between Austria-Hungary and the German Reich in which the two powers promised each other support in case of attack by Russia, and neutrality in case of aggression by any other power. Germany's Otto von Bismarck saw the alliance as a way to prevent the isolation of Germany and to preserve peace, as Russia would not wage war against both empires. The addition of Italy in 1882 made it the Triple Alliance. The agreement remained an important element of both German and Austro-Hungarian foreign policy until 1918.

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Franco-Russian Alliance

 or Dual Alliance

(1894) Political and military pact between France and Russia that was one of the basic European alignments of the pre–World War I era. In the event of war, France wanted support against Germany, and Russia against Austria-Hungary. The alliance was formalized through an exchange of letters in order to preserve secrecy, and it was to be in force as long as the opposing Triple Alliance. The alliance was renewed and strengthened in 1899 and 1912.