World War II The Axis Powers World War

World War II The Axis Powers World War II was fought between two major groups of nations. They became known as the Axis Powers and the Allied Powers. The major Axis Powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan. The Forming of the Axis Powers The alliance began to form in 1936. First, Germany and Italy signed a friendship treaty that formed the Rome-German Axis. It was after this treaty that Italian dictator Benito Mussolini used the term Axis to refer to their alliance (a union or association formed for mutual benefit). Shortly after this, on November 25, 1936, Japan and Germany both signed a pact. An even stronger alliance was signed between Germany and Italy on May 22, 1939 called the Pact of Steel. This treaty would later be called the Tripartite Pact when Japan signed it on September 27, 1940. Now the three main Axis Powers were allies in the war.

World War II The Allied Powers The major Allied Powers were Britain, France, Russia, and the United States. The Allies formed mostly as a defence against the attacks of the Axis Powers. The original members of the Allies included Great Britain, France and Poland. When Germany invaded Poland, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. At the start of World War II, Russia and Germany were friends. However, on 22 June 1941 Hitler, the leader of Germany, ordered a surprise attack on Russia then became an enemy of the Axis Powers and joined the Allies. The US joined the Allied Powers. The United States had hoped to remain neutral during World War II. However, the US was attacked by surprise at Pearl Harbour by the Japanese. This attack united the country against the Axis Powers.

World War II Axis controlled and neutral countries Some countries were under control by the Axis Powers. These countries were known as Axis controlled. Some countries remained neutral during WWII. This means that they did not support or help either side in the conflict.