The background of the war. : History and texts. A. The Triple Alliance. Russia's "Reinsurance" treaty with Germany. B. The triple entente and its friends. I. Franco-Russian alliance. II. The Anglo-French entente. III. The Anglo-Russian entente. IV. The Anglo-Japanese alliance. V. The Anglo-Portuguese alliance. Italy's friendly relations with France and Great Britain. Appendix: Texts of the treaties.