3. Pivotal moments in WW2

Outbreak of war

Leading up to outbreak of war, Germany and Italy had grown closer together. Mussolini and Hitler sign a friendship pact in Oct 1936 known as the Rome-Berlin Pact.​

The Anti-Comintern Pact was signed between Germany and Japan in November 1936, initially against the spread of Communism , Italy would join a year later.​

In May 1939, the Pact between Italy and Germany would expand to military alliance later known as ‘Pact Of Steel.’ When Germany invades Poland (1 Sept 1939), Italy remained neutral for close to a year.​

On September 27, 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact ( referred to as the Axis powers. )​

In the Pact, Japan recognized “the leadership of Germany and Italy in the establishment of a new order in Europe.” In return, Germany and Italy recognized Japan’s right to establish a new order “in greater East Asia.” ​

When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany on the 3rd of September, signaling the beginning of World War Two. USSR would invade Poland on the 17 September 1939.

Complete this mapping task to highlight the 2 sides to World War Two

Create a legend for the allies, axis and neutral states.

2.        Using the blank map, colour in the states using your legend (at least 10 for the Allies)

3.        Label each country (can create a colour code for when they entered the war)

4.        Note that the USSR fought on both sides so you might consider making a fourth category in your legend

5.        Why do you think states such as Brazil, not impacted by WW2, declared allegiance for one side?What would they gain?