World History The triple Entente In the 19th century, Britain didn't involve itself in the conflicts that were happening in Europe. Instead, it focused mainly on its overseas colonies and developing its empire. Britain's attitude was referred to as "splendid isolation" by the Europeans. The French and Russians were Britain's most dangerous rivals. However, in the early 20th century Britain's view of France and Russia began to change for three main reasons; In 1904 Russia was defeated by Japan which weakened Russia and lessened Britain's concern about its power. Britain and France reached several agreements regarding overseas colonies. Thirdly, France and Russia shared the same concern with Britain about Germany's growing influence in Europe. In 1870, France was defeated in a short war by the Prussian statesman Bismarck in which he seized a strategic French industrial area called Alsace-Lorraine. That made France join the triple entente and build up its military and navy preparing for any German invasion. Russia was the largest country in Europe in terms of soldiers and population. It was entirely agricultural and wanted to defend the serbs that were accused by Austria-Hungary of assassinating the Archduke Franz Ferdinand.