The geologic concept of "wedge tectonics" allows us to interpret tectonic deformation results in terms of interactions of compression, tension, and shear. The emphasis lies on contemporaneous deformation in intimately related stress fields of different styles, not on intensity of deformation or on quantification of stress. Wedge tectonics occur at all times, in all dimensions, and in all geologic settings. On continental margins, wedge tectonic interpretations explain many observable tectonic features such as arc fragmentation, wrench faulting along mobile belt fronts, land and oceanward thrusting along arc flanks, and contemporaneous tension tectonics in backarc and forearc basins during arc thrusting. In orogenic belts, foreland tension appears to be contemporan ous with orogenic compression and shear. Examples from European Paleozoic passive and active margins (or margin phases) show the applicability of the concept.