Axis vs. Allied Powers WWII

AXIS POWERS Germany Italy Japan

Nazi Germany Led by fascist dictator, Adolf Hitler Hated Jews, blamed them for Germany’s loss in WWII Germany needed lebensraum, or living space, for the Aryan race Nazis put the well-being of Germany before the needs of individual citizens

Italy Led by fascist leader, Benito Mussolini Used his “Blackshirts” to suppress political opposition to his party’s leadership and created the “Young Fascists” to indoctrinate children into the party’s militaristic beliefs

Japan Between WWI & WWII, Japan’s military gained increasing influence over the government, especially after the Manchurian Incident Consequently, Japan was led by a military leader, Hideki Tojo throughout most of WWII

Allied Powers Great Britain France (until June 1940) The Soviet Union (1941) The United States (1941)

Great Britain Led by Winston Churchill Fought with the French until French were defeated by Germany in June 1940 Fought alone until the Soviet Union and United States joined the fight against Germany in 1941

France Charles de Gaulle was their leader Declared war on Germany in September 1939 along with the British Defeated and occupied by the Germans in June 1940 Liberated by Allied forces in June 1944 w/ D-Day Invasion

Soviet Union Led by Communist dictator, Josef Stalin Signed a non-aggression pact (agreement not to fight against) with Germany in 1939 Hitler broke the agreement in 1941 Joined forces with the Allies in June 1941

United States Led by FDR until he died in April 1945, then led by Harry Truman Tried to remain in isolation when the war began in 1939 Did help the British with Cash & Carry Plan as well as Lend-Lease Drawn into the conflict when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941