All of these answers are good ones. Alliances are made for support.
Africa
Alliances have always been a part of European politics. Initially between church and state, but as countries became more independent, alliances were formed between them. Alliances are always formed for the same reason, to achieve a "balance of power" whether it be military or economic.
European countries joined World War I due to a complex web of alliances, militarism, nationalism, and imperial ambitions. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary triggered a chain reaction, as countries were bound by treaties to support their allies. Nationalistic fervor fueled the desire for territorial expansion and dominance, while militarism led to an arms race that heightened tensions. Ultimately, these factors combined to pull multiple nations into a conflict that escalated rapidly.
Alliances between European countries created a web of obligations that drew multiple nations into conflict. When tensions escalated between two countries, such as Austria-Hungary and Serbia in 1914, their respective allies—like Germany, Russia, and France—were bound to support them due to these agreements. This interconnectedness transformed a localized dispute into a larger confrontation, leading to World War I as nations mobilized in defense of their allies, ultimately escalating the conflict into a global war.
Countries are often bound by alliances for mutual defense, economic cooperation, or political support. Notable historical alliances include NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), which includes the United States, Canada, and many European nations, and the Warsaw Pact, which included the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries during the Cold War. Other examples include the European Union, fostering economic and political integration among its member states, and various bilateral defense treaties, such as the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance. Alliances can shift over time based on geopolitical interests and conflicts.
When George Washington was President he did not want any long-term alliances with other countries not just European.
People do not join the European Union. Countries do. It is an organisation of countries, not of people. As a result of countries joining, people are living in countries that are in the European Union and can be called its citizens.
Countries are part of the Union. They apply to join. They are not elected to join. Countries can elect people to represent them in the European Union after they have joined.
Ten countries joined the European Union in 2004.
Because
Many European leaders made alliances with other countries. While this was meant to protect them, it ended up in disaster. When one country was attacked, all the countries had to join in.
the alliances of European countries creating a balance of powe
Norway and Switzerland do not want to join the European Union.
Militarism, alliances, Imperialism, and nationalism European countries entered into military alliances that required them to protect one another from attacks. This led to escalation as more countries were drawn into the war.
When countries join together, they form an alliance. Alliances can be for trade, militrism and other things etc.
They had alliances with countries that were involved.
Washington warned against entering into 'entangling alliances' with European countries and to stay out of European conflicts.