Before the First World War, why did France decide to join the Triple Entente alliance?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the diplomatic history of Europe before the First World War. Alliances such as the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente shaped the balance of power, and understanding why particular countries joined specific alliances helps explain the tensions that led to war. Here we focus on the motives of France in joining the Triple Entente.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The alliance in question is the Triple Entente. • France is one of the member states, along with Britain and Russia. • Germany is a major potential enemy, especially after the Franco Prussian War. • We are looking for the main strategic reason behind French participation in the Entente.

Concept / Approach:
France lost the Franco Prussian War of 1870–71 and had to surrender territories such as Alsace Lorraine to the newly unified Germany. This defeat created a strong sense of insecurity and a desire for revenge in France. As Germany grew more powerful, France sought allies to deter or counter a German attack. Forming closer ties with Britain and Russia through the Triple Entente helped surround Germany and balance the power of the Triple Alliance led by Germany, Austria Hungary and Italy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that France and Germany had a hostile relationship after 1871 due to territorial losses. Step 2: Recognise that Germany and Austria Hungary were central members of the rival Triple Alliance. Step 3: Understand that by joining forces with Britain and Russia, France could improve its security. Step 4: Examine the options and identify the statement that mentions protection from Germany. Step 5: Select the option that says France needed protection from Germany and wanted support against a possible German attack.

Verification / Alternative check:
Diplomatic histories of the pre war period emphasise that the French desire for security and for recovery of lost provinces was a driving force behind its alliances. The Franco Russian Alliance and the later Entente Cordiale with Britain combined to form the Triple Entente. These arrangements were not primarily about colonial disputes with Britain but about counterbalancing German power. This confirms that the protection from Germany explanation is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Its leaders wanted to take over land in the Balkans from Austria Hungary: France was not the main Balkan power; this motive fits Russia or Austria Hungary more than France. Its leaders mainly wanted to protect French colonies in Africa from Britain: In fact, the Entente improved relations with Britain and reduced colonial rivalry. It had a long and unbroken history of friendship with Great Britain: France and Britain had a long record of rivalry and conflict before the early twentieth century. It wanted to remain completely neutral in any European war: Joining an alliance is opposite to a policy of strict neutrality.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that European alliances were mainly about colonial disputes, but in the case of France and the Triple Entente, the central issue was security against Germany. A useful way to remember this is to link France's lost provinces of Alsace and Lorraine with its later search for allies, which points directly to protection against German power as the key motive.

Final Answer:
France joined the Triple Entente primarily because it needed protection from Germany and wanted support against a possible German attack.