How did Italy join World War 1?

Answer 1

*Many of those European alliances were much less binding than many history books suggest. *In 1914 Italy had no quarrel with any of the Entente countries, but did claim some Austrian territory.

Answer 2

I actually came looking for an answer to this question--I think there may be more to say than what I have heard/read so far, but since there's nothing here I'll say that little bit that I've heard/read: Italy dropped out of the 'Triple Alliance' (aka Central Powers)--it was the 3rd of that group, with German and Austria-Hungary being the first two countries--because it had agreed to help aid those two countries if they were attacked, but it viewed the Summer of 1914 events as aggression on their part. This was a 'convenient' position for Italy to take because it had long standing grievances with Austria-Hungary over the latter's claims/seizure of territory around Venice. (I'm not sure of the details of what parts of that region, or whether Austria-Hungary had those regions under it's control in 1914. Anyone know?) Italy later joined with the British/French/Russian 'Triple Entente' (aka 'Allies'), with the understanding that it would receive those lands in the even that the Allies won. However, the ineffectiveness of Italian forces (there were 11 offensives by Italians in one particular location) meant that, after the war, their claims were not honored. The long term significance of this was that Mussolini used it as part of his basis for rising to power/gaining popular support, saying Italy had been abused/disrespected by the British and French. Hitler would use a similar claim to win support in Germany. Incidentally, the Ottoman Empire joined the Triple Alliance/Central Powers, in effect taking the place that Italy's departure created.

Answer 3

Italy joined Germany as Germany promised Italy that if you help us in our time of need you will gain some French colonies in Africa as a reward of fighting. They also joined the alliance in the hope of gaining some Austrian land but Austria said no. No, no.... WW1 Italy joined the Allies in 1915. There was much fighting along the Isonzo river, notably at Caporetto, where a certain Leutnant Erwin Rommel first came to prominence....

Answer 4

Italy had been a part of the Triple Alliance, which became the Central Powers when war broke out. It joined the war on the Allied Forces' side because it felt the treaty terms didn't apply and knew Austria was after their nothern states.

Answer 5

Basically, after the Franco-Prussian war (Prussia was actually Germany)- Germany had succeeded in gaining Alsace and Lorraine from France (by invasion). This was part of Germany's aims to expand. Germany knew France would surely want to gain revenge and created the dual alliance with Austria-Hungary (Another Country that wished for safety). Italy saw this friendly security agreement as a great opportunity as they believed Germany would split land and money between them all. Germany and Italy also became great friends as they shared similar ideas. This is why Italy joined the dual alliance that was completed in 1882 and became the triple alliance (pact of steel)....

Answer 6

Italy believed that Germany was instigating the war rather than fighting a defensive war or protecting themselves, and thus, they didn't want to be involved with the enemy.

Answer 7

They're allies went to war, and drug them in to WW1. :)