Who were the Axis Powers in WWII?

The Axis Powers were a military alliance formed by Germany, Italy and Japan in 1936-1940.

They were also known as the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis, because they claimed that their countries were connected by an imaginary axis line on the map.

The Axis Powers had different motives for joining the alliance, but they shared some common enemies and ideologies. 

Germany, led by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party, wanted to expand its territory and create a "Greater German Reich" that would dominate Europe and beyond.

Hitler also wanted to eliminate Jews, Slavs, Roma and other groups he considered "inferior" or "undesirable".

Germany was the one that invaded Poland in 1939, which triggered the beginning of World War II in Europe. 

Italy, led by Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party, wanted to restore the glory of the ancient Roman Empire and create a "New Roman Empire" that would control the Mediterranean region and Africa.

Mussolini also wanted to suppress communism and democracy and promote Italian nationalism and militarism.

Italy had its own major military invasion when it entered Ethiopia in 1935. Later joined Germany in attacking France, Britain and other countries. 

Japan, led by Emperor Hirohito and his military government, wanted to establish a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" that would encompass China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.

Japan also wanted to secure natural resources and markets for its growing population and economy.

Japan's invaded China in 1937, and later attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in 1941, bringing World War II to the Pacific. 

The Axis Powers faced resistance from the Allied Powers, a coalition of countries that opposed their aggression and expansionism.

The main members of the Allies were Britain, France, the United States, the Soviet Union and China.

The Allies fought against the Axis on multiple fronts across Europe, Africa, Asia and the oceans.

Ultimately, the war would last for six years and resulted in millions of deaths and widespread destruction. 

The Axis Powers eventually lost the war in 1945, after suffering major defeats at the hands of the Allies.

Germany was divided into four zones of occupation by Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union.

Italy was occupied by Allied forces and became a democratic republic. Japan on the other hand, was occupied by American forces as well, but underwent political and social reforms.