LibGuides: World War I Resource Guide: The Alliances

Print Resources

Events Leading to World War I by John Hamilton
Call Number: 940.3 HAM
- Why search here? Look for the section called, "Alliances." You can also go back to get background on each country within the Alliances. Images, quotes, maps, and timelines are also featured.
World War I by Steven Otfinoski
Call Number: 940.3 OTF
- Why search here? This book features short one to two page accounts of battles, events, and people. Check out the first four chapters, especially Chapter 4, The Sides Line Up.
  Look at the page 134 and 136 as well.
The War to End All Wars by Russell Freedman
Call Number: 940.3 FREE
- Why search here? Read Chapter 2, "Armed to the Teeth." This offers a great review of the background behind each nation's perspective leading to World War I.
World War I by John Ziff
Call Number: 940.3 ZIF
- Why search here? Chapter 1, "Prelude to Catastrophe," provides an excellent introduction to the complex alliances and ideologies that shaped the start of World War I.
World War I by Rebecca Rissman
Call Number: 940.3 RISS
- Why search here? Check out Chapter 1, "Roots of War," for background leading to the war.

Triple Alliance (WBO)
- Why search here? Start your research here with an overview from a trustworthy source, World Book Online. This is a brief account but starts you off with vocabulary and other important names. Use the "See Also" section at the bottom to continue your research.
Triple Entente (WBO)
- Why search here? This is a brief account from World Book Online gives you a good starting point for this vocabulary.
Alliance Systems and World War I
- Why search here? History Crunch offers a great overview of Alliance systems before the war and their role in starting the war. Check out links within the article to further your research.
Alliance Map of 1914
- Why search here? Map that features the alliances that set the stage for World War I (Central Powers, Triple Entente or Allied Powers are mapped for you.)
July Crisis
- Why search here? Although this page accompanies an online course, the article does an excellent job at describing how alliances help to keep countries moving towards war. Pay particular attention to the cartoon depicted called "A Chain of Friendship."