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United States of AmericaJoined the War - December 8, 1941
Side in the War - Originally pleaded Neutrality, but later joined the Allies after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 Government ideology - Constitutional Republic (deemed a Democracy during this time) Why did they fight? - Originally, the United States was not involved in WWII, in terms of fighting. The most only actions the United States were committing at this time was sending resources and supplies to Allies forces. The United States remained out of the war until December 7, 1941 when the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces occurred. |
Great BritainJoined the War - September 3, 1939. generally known as the beginning
Side in the War - Allies Government ideology - Constitutional Monarchy Why did they fight? - Basically, the same general reason as most European nation-states, fear, which derived from Germany slowly conquering regions of Europe and the non-aggression pact between Soviet Union and Germany. There was talk that Germany would invade Poland which deeply concerned Great Britain and on of their close allies France. This caused Britain to finally take action and so they signed a pact with Poland that they would protect their country if Germany invaded. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, and this was the beginning of WWII. |
GermanyJoined the War - September 3, 1939. Which was known as the true beginning of WWII
Side in the War - Axis Government ideology - Dictatorship based off Socialist, Nationalist, and Fascist ideals (Nazism) Why did they fight? - After an embarrassing "loss" (cease-fire agreement) in the eyes of the Germans in WWI, and an economy which greatly suffered. Germany wanted to rebuild back into its former glory and become a major world power. Nazism was a growing ideology which required Germany to become a dominate power, promote their Volksgemeinschaft also known as the people's community, and dispatch any people who did not fit into this Volsgemeinschaft (specifically Jews, due to prejudice reasons). |
Soviet Union (Russia)Joined the War - September 17, 1939
Side in the War - Started off Axis, but later joins the Allies on June 1941, when Germany decided to invade the Soviet Union breaking the non-aggression pact Government Ideology - Communism Why did they fight? - (1939) In August 1939, the Soviet Union and Germany signed a non-aggression pact. In this pact they both agreed to invade Poland and split the west and east halves of it. Once Germany invaded Poland on September 3, 1939, the Soviet Union prepared their military and invaded a couple days later on the 17th of September. (1941) In June 1941, Germany decided to invade the Soviet Union breaking the non-aggression pact, which led to the Soviet Union switching from the Axis powers to the Allies. |
JapanJoined the War - Sep 27, 1940
Side in the War - Axis Government Ideology - Imperial Empire Why did they fight? - Before joining WWII, Japan was fighting China for control over Manchuria regions. They were condemned for these actions by the League of Nations and the United States causing Japan's departure from the LoN. On the other hand, Germany supported Japan's actions winning some of Japan's favor. Later in 1939, the United States rescinded its commercial treaty with the Empire of Japan and began to restrict essential shipments of oil and metals. These embargoes led to Japan joining the Axis powers in a pact with Germany and Italy called the Tripartite Pact otherwise known as the Berlin Pact |
ItalyJoined the War - June 10, 1940
Side in the War - Started off Axis, but later joins the Allies on October 13, 1943 after they surrendered to the Allied forces Government Ideology - Fascist Dictatorship Why did they fight? - (1940) The reason for Italy joining WWII was similar to Germany. They desired to become a major world power and rebuild Italy. Italy shared several similar goals with Germany and as a result the Pact of Steel was signed on May 22, 1939. Initially, Germany and Italy were supposed to start the war together at the same time giving Italy time to prepare; however, Germany wanted to strike immediately, which explains why Italy was late in joining the war. (1943) Italy surrendered to Allied Forces, and Italy was liberated to a degree from its Fascist Dictatorship. Although Fascism was still strong in parts of Italy they joined the Allied Forces and continued to fight in the war. |