Germany's position among the great powers of Europe had endured numerous setbacks since 1890. No longer could the Germans look at a Europe in which most of the powers were closely associated with her while her rival, France, stood alone and isolated. In 1894 Russia had become an ally of France, in 1904 Great Britain had signed an agreement with the French, and in 1907 Russia and Great Britain had come to terms. After 1904 the probability of an Anglo-German rapprochement decreased. One of the principal items settled in the Anglo-French entente had been the future of Morocco. Great Britain had agreed that France might establish a protectorate in that area when the time seemed propitious. Furthermore, the French had also signed treaties with Italy and Spain concerning Morocco's future. But Germany, who had been a signatory of the Madrid Convention of 1880, the original agreement dealing with Morocco, had not even been officially notified, let alone consulted. Thus, Morocco had become a symbol of Germany's declining prestige.