Explain how alliance system contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.

After the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the German Chancellor Bismarck started the alliance system which increased the international tension and paved the way for the First World War.

By 1908, Europe was firmly divided into two opposing camps. On one side stood the Triple Alliance which consists of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. On the other said stood the Triple Entente which consists of France, Russia and Britain. They believe that their allies would give them military support if war broke out. So, the allied countries would be less willing to solve their conflicts peacefully. For example, Serbia refused to solve Sarajevo Assassination peacefully with Austria-Hungary because of the Russian support. As a result, the Great War broke out.

The alliance system increased tension among the European powers. Mutual suspicions and fears deepened, particularly due to the secret terms of the alliance...