The principal Axis Powers in World War II were Germany, Italy, and Japan. These three countries formed the core of the Axis alliance, led respectively by Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Emperor Hirohito. They formalized their alliance through the Tripartite Pact in September 1940, pledging mutual military and economic support
. In addition to these main three, several other countries joined the Axis alliance during the war, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. These nations aligned with the Axis powers often due to coercion or promises of territorial gains
. The Axis powers were united primarily by their far-right, expansionist ideologies and opposition to the Allied powers, although coordination among them was limited
. The alliance originated from earlier agreements such as the Rome-Berlin Axis declaration in 1936 and the Anti-Comintern Pact between Germany and Japan, which Italy later joined
. In summary, the main Axis Powers were:
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
With additional members including:
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Slovakia
These countries collectively opposed the Allies during World War II until their defeat in 1945
