Axis Powers
By: Markie Campbell
Germany
The government of the Third Reich evolved and undermine the power and authority of the parliamentary Weimar Republic. Before the rising of the Nazi party in January 1933 the legislative branch of the government was comprised of the Reichsrat, representing the various German states and the Reichstag, a parliament elected according to a system of proportional representation. As soon as Hitler gained power he began undermining the power of these branches of government and working towards total dictatorship.
Italy
Benito Mussolini was the leader of Italy during WWII. He ran a fascist government. Italian Fascists felt it was necessary for a nation to assert its superiority and strength and to avoid failing. Italian Fascists claimed that modern Italy is the heir to ancient rome and historically supported the creation of an Italian Empire to provide "vital space" for colonization by Italian settlers and to establish control.
Japan
Japan had 2 incidents just before WW2 which meant the military got power over government. The military killed Prime Minister and wanted Emperor to get initiative. However, it meant the military would get initiative over Japan. It is said that not only citizens but also even Emperor could not go against military at that time. If people protested against war, they were called "the unpatriotic" and they were arrested or killed by military.
Allies
In 1940, the Axis powers are formed. Germany, Italy, and Japan become allies with the signing of the Tripartite Pact in Berlin. The Pact provided for mutual assistance should any of the signatories suffer attack by any nation not already involved in the war. This formalizing of the alliance was aimed directly at "neutral" America--designed to force the United States to think twice before venturing in on the side of the Allies.