IR specimen essay Q2: To what extent was the desire for improved relations between
France, Britain and Russia responsible for the creation of the Triple Entente 1907?
France, Britain and Russia desired improved relations between each other, as they had
common interests of maintaining stability in Europe and preserving their respective spheres of
influence, which partially contributed to the creation of the Triple Entente in 1907. Britain had
long wished to improve relations with Russia in order to take pressure off Afghanistan and
northern India. After Russia’s defeat by Japan in 1905, Russia was seen as less of a threat to
British interests in China, following Russia’s evacuation of Manchuria under the Treaty of
Portsmouth. Russia’s military weakness made Britain less anxious of Russian expansion in the
far east. Issues which had divided the 2 countries in the Far East were no longer of relevance,
which enabled the Anglo-Russian agreement in 1907 which aimed to foster friendlier relations
between the powers, which then brought about the Triple Entente. The aim of friendlier relations
was reiterated when Germany was given assurances that the convention was not intended to
damage Germany but just to improve relations. Russia, too, viewed that the alliance with Britain
was necessary if she were to maintain relations with France, especially after the signing of the
Entente Cordiale.They also hoped that by improving relations with Britain, especially after
Britain’s 1902 agreement with Japan which threatened to bring them into conflict, would buy
time to focus on domestic affairs.
Furthermore, the basis of the Entente Cordiale was essentially an understanding over colonial
issues which would end longlasing hostility between Britain and France over Africa. The 1904
agreement stipulated that Britain and France settled their old colonial disputes, recognising
each other’s occupation of Egypt and Morocco respectively. The Entente Cordiale was not a
military alliance but rather a formal understanding between the nations, as better relations would
protect the interests of each nation in their colonies.
On the other hand, diplomatic isolation of Germany due to mutual suspicion of Germany’s
expansionism was another factor leading to the creation of the Triple Entente in 1907. France
was concerned about the growth of Germany after the Franco-Prussian war and the formation
of the Dual Alliance, as Germany under Bismarck had been actively trying to diplomatically
isolate France, and was only growing ever stronger. This concern led to France approaching
Russia to form an alliance. Russia too, was suspicious of German actions as Kaiser Wilhelm
had refused to reinstate the reinsurance treaties due to desires for German expansion and
freedom in the Balkans region. The growing mutual suspicion of Germany brought the unlikely
pair of France and Russia, who differed in various ways such as politically and culturally,
together. The Franco-Russian alliance of 1894 was explicitly directed against Germany, with
terms reflecting awareness of the “secret” Triple Alliance and acted upon awareness of German
fear of encirclement. Similarly, the growing Anglo-German rivalry drove Britain to an alliance
with France. When Britain first ended the policy of isolationism, powerful voices preferred an
agreement with Germany. However, after the Kruger telegram and Naval Race, where Germany
had directly challenged the security and interest of Britain, Britain was pushed to find allies.
Germany had beat Britain in world trade and developed their economy better by the end of the
19th century, with access to more resources and larger workforces. This development made
Britain want to protect her status as a great status and restore the balance of power in Europe.
