In the late 1800's and early 1900's Britain was not the type of country expected to become involved in World War 1. Britain was mainly focused on protecting trade routes between India, with their famously strong Navy. Before the allies were formed Britain rivaled with France over possessions in North Africa along with Germany. The British were also against the Russians in the Mediterranean in fear of them interfering with british trade to and from India. After Kaiser Wilhelm II took control of Germany, they built up their armies, As well as Russia and France. Britain believed in a policy that no country should be dominant and Germany was there largest threat with a strong economy, large population, and armed forces that dominated Europe. As a result Britain joined the triple-entente with Russia and France. Britain was not committed to going to war in 1914, but due to a treaty with Belgium, Britain was required to defend Belgium if threatened. On August 4th 1914, the British declared war on Germany attacked Belgium through France. After that Britain, France and Russia were officially the allies and were against the central powers, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. Britain was involved in the Battle of Verdun, 1916, the Battle of the Marne (1914,1918), Battle of Ypres(1914,1915,1917), Battle of Somme (1916), and the Battle of Cambrai(1917)