As tensions surged, European nations formed military alliances to protect against attacks from enemy nations. They agreed to aid each other, or at least remain neutral. Although alliances were beneficial, there were also some disadvantages. An alliance could lead a nation to take risks, it could cause disputes between many nations, and it could force a country to go to war with a nation with which it was neutral. Germany formed an alliance with Austria-Hungary in 1871 and Italy in 1882. This secret alliance was known as the Triple Alliance. In 1904, the United Kingdom and France signed the Entente Cordiale, meaning friendly agreement. In 1907, Russia joined the alliance. This alliance became the Triple Entente, later called the Allies, and
