Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the WWI:

1. Triple Alliance consisted of Britain, France and Russia.
2. Triple Entente consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
3. During the WWI, Italy and Japan fought on the side of Britain.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 3
Notes: Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. It was signed during the early 1880s. It was a defensive military alliance meaning that the member countries were to come to the aid of a partner country only when it was attacked by any fourth outside power. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect. Triple Entente was a not a formal agreement. But, through a series of amicable solutions of international claims, it was established between Britain, France and Russia. It was a tacit acknowledgement on their part of the fact that Germany was their common and most formidable rival. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect. Italy, though a part of Triple Alliance, initially stayed neutral on the pretext that it was the Germany that had attacked other countries. Later, it joined the war on the side of Britain in lure of territorial gains. Similarly, Japan was eyeing the German colonies in China. Thus, it also joined on the side of Triple Entente. Thus, statement 3 is correct.