Transition to Global Rivalry Alliance Diplomacy and the Quadruple Entente, 1895–1907

A re-examination of the formation of the Entente between Britain, France, Russia and Japan.

During the years before the First World War, the realignment of world powers resulted in agreements concluded in 1904 and 1907 between Britain, France, Russia and Japan. John Albert White terms this a Quadruple Entente, a more accurate and complete description than the more commonly used Triple Entente, which omits Japan. His more inclusive view leaves undisturbed the conception of Europe as the centre of political gravity, but at the same time calls proper attention to the enhanced role which Japan had won through her victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars and by her careful management of her entry into the larger family of nations. This wider perspective on the crucial pre-war years shows how, in its political context as well as its geographical terrain and its general impact, the First World War was a world war in every sense.

1. Portents of conflict; 2. The focus of hostility; 3. The emergence of encirclement; 4. Russia in political recession; 5. The Algeciras factor; 6. After Portsmouth and Algeciras; 7. Imperial truce.

This study examines the agreements concluded in 1904 and 1907 by Britain, France, Russia and Japan. These are redefined as a Quadruple Entente to emphasize Japan's emergence as a nation of considerable significance to Europe during the years leading up to the First World War.