Pact from 1882 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to offset the power of Russia and France. It was last renewed in 1912, but during World War I Italy's initial neutrality gradually changed and it denounced the alliance in 1915. The term also refers to other alliances: in 1668 England, Holland, and Sweden; in 1717 Britain, Holland, and France (joined in 1718 by Austria); in 1788 Britain, Prussia, and Holland; in 1805 Britain, Russia, and Austria (also known as the Third Coalition).
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