Diplomatic History
Introduction
From 1936 to 1940, delegates from Germany, Italy, and Japan met in Berlin to formalize an Axis alliance: a series of treaties promising military aid, economic connection, and political similarity.
Berlin, Germany:
Formation of the Axis ALliance
Rome-Berlin Axis
On October 21st, 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis recognized Italy and Germany’s common interests and promised that both nations would follow similar policy. The pact was announced to the world one week later, on November 1st.
Anti-Comimtern Pact
On November 25th, the Anti-Comintern Pact between Japan, Germany, and later in 1937 Italy openly opposed Soviet Communism and secretly pledged mutual defense against a Soviet attack. Turkey joined the Pact as an observer Japan used the Pact to protect its interests in Manchukuo, China, and Hitler saw another ally against the Soviet Union, which he eventually wished to invade. The members of this Pact would later be known as "the Axis Powers."
The "Pact of steel"
On May 22nd, 1939, the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy was signed. It officially promised military aid between Germany and Italy, but secretly suggested military and economic integration. Originally nicknamed the "Pact of Blood," the name was changed to the "Pact of Steel" after Mussolini was informed the name would have negative connotations in Italy. The pact was supposed to have included Japan and formed the Tripartite Pact, but after disagreements over the aims of the pact Japan did not sign. Both sides supported each other, but rarely acted cohesively against a common threat or share invasion plans.
Tripartite Pact
On September 27th, 1940, the Tripartite Pact formed the Axis alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. It promised military aid if any signatory nation was attacked by a nation not involved in the war. The pact was designed to make the United States think twice before entering the war against the Axis Powers, because United States intervention would severely degrade the odds of an Axis victory. Other nations signed the pact as well including Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Romania.