The Triple Alliance is an agreement between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

It is formed on May 20, 1882 and renewed periodically until it expires in 1915 during the First World War.

Germany and Austria-Hungary had been closely allied since 1879

Italy is looking for support against France shortly after it loses North African ambitions to the French.

Each member promises mutual support in the event of an attack by any other great power.

The treaty provides that Germany and Austria-Hungary are to assist Italy if it is attacked by France without provocation.

In turn, Italy will assist Germany if attacked by France.

In the event of a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Italy promises to remain neutral.

The existence and membership of the treaty are well known, but its exact provisions will be kept secret until 1919.

When the treaty is renewed in February 1887, Italy gains an empty promise of German support of Italian colonial ambitions in North Africa in return for Italy's continued friendship.

Austria-Hungary has to be pressured by German chancellor Otto von Bismarck into accepting the principles of consultation and mutual agreement with Italy on any territorial changes initiated in the Balkans or on the coasts and islands of the Adriatic and Aegean seas.

Italy and Austria-Hungary do not overcome their basic conflict of interest in that region despite the treaty.

In 1891 attempts are made to join Britain to the Triple Alliance, which, though unsuccessful, are widely believed to have succeeded in Russian diplomatic circles.

Shortly after renewing the Alliance in June 1902, Italy secretly extends a similar guarantee to France.

By a particular agreement, neither Austria-Hungary nor Italy will change the status quo in the Balkans without previous consultation

On October 18, 1883 Carol I of Romania, through his Prime Minister Ion C. Brătianu, had also secretly pledged to support the Triple Alliance, but he remains neutral since Austria-Hungary starts the First World War.

On 1 November 1902, five months after the Triple Alliance is renewed, Italy reaches an understanding with France that each will remain neutral in the event of an attack on the other.

When Austria-Hungary finds itself at war in August 1914 with the rival Triple Entente, Italy proclaims its neutrality, considering Austria-Hungary the aggressor and defaulting on the obligation to consult and agree compensations before changing the status quo in the Balkans, as agreed in 1912 renewal of the Triple Alliance.

Following parallel negotiation with both Triple Alliance, aimed to keep Italy neutral, and the Triple Entente, aimed to make Italy enter the conflict, Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary.