Definition of coalition

The word "coalition" has its roots in 18th-century Europe. It originated from the French word "coalition," which means "entente" or "league." In the 17th and 18th centuries, European monarchies and nobles formed temporary alliances, known as coalitions, to counterbalance the power of other nations. These alliances were often formed for specific purposes, such as to wage war or to negotiate treaties. The concept of a coalition was particularly prevalent during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the Austro-Prussian War (1740-1748). The term became popular in the United States during the American Civil War, where it referred to the temporary alliance between Northern states to defeat the Confederacy. Today, the term "coalition" is used globally to describe temporary alliances or partnerships formed between different groups or entities to achieve a common goal.