Berlin Pact

Definition

Also known as the Tripartite Pact, it was an agreement signed in Berlin on September 27, 1940 by Germany, Italy and Japan where they pledged mutual support to each other thereby forming what is commonly referred to as 'Axis Powers' during World War II.

Analogy

Imagine three friends promising to back each other up in a schoolyard fight. That's essentially what Germany, Italy and Japan did with the Berlin Pact - they promised mutual support against their enemies during WWII.

Related terms

Nazi Germany: The period when Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party controlled Germany from 1933–1945 implementing policies of aggressive expansion, racial purity and totalitarianism.

Fascist Italy: Period of authoritarian government under Benito Mussolini between 1922-1943 characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

World War II: A global conflict that took place from 1939-1945 between two military alliances: the Allies and the Axis Powers.