Nazi Germany 1933-1939
Wartime Alliances of the Nazis
by Willis Hayes
Many alliances were made in the years leading up to WWII, and many destroyed. The first alliance was with Britain, and is entitled the Anglo-German Naval Agreement. This agreement ensured that Germany would not challenge the British on the seas, rather that Germany would use their navy to become a valuable trading partner. However, the war erased hopes of German/British cooperation, and thus this treaty.
Rome-Berlin Axis
In 1936 the Rome-Berlin Axis was also formed, between Germany and Italy. This alliance held for the first few years of the war. However, as the Americans invaded Italy, the Italians switched sides and supported the Allies for the remainder of the war.
Anti-Comintern Pact
Another treaty was the Anti-Comintern with Japan, also created in 1936. This treaty also insured Germany an ally in WWII. However, the alliance proved disastrous for Germany when, according to terms of loyalty, Germany declared war on the United States in reaction to Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact
Perhaps the most significant treaty of WWII was the Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact in 1939. This treaty shocked the Allies at a point when they had depended on historic Russian hatred of the Germans. The treaty also allied communist governments with dictatorships, causing communists in France and Britain to feel sympathetic toward Germany, which caused a multitude of problems with national unity. Fortunately for the Allies, the alliance was dissolved when Hitler decided to invade Russia, at which point Russia pledged her full strength to support allied forces.
Hungary
After the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918, Hungary fell into a state of chaos. After going through many governments they finally found a stable one with the help of Miklos Horthy. In 1920 Hungary was forced to sign the Treaty of Trianon. This treaty took 2/3 of Hungary's territory away, 1/2 of its population, and 90% of its natural resources. In attempts to regain stability Hungary sought allies for help. After being refused by Britain and France, Hungary signed a treaty with Italy in 1927 in the hopes they could help Hungary regain its land. Later, in 1931 Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Gombos brought Hungary closer to Germany by creating a trading agreement with Germany in the hopes that they could build their economy up again. The political atmosphere also allowed for the alliance with Germany. Horthy, the current leader of Hungary, didn't oppress radical left or right groups. "In this air of acceptance many groups began to form that were sympathetic to or emulated the German National Socialists."
Slovakia
Slovakia joined Germany because Germany helped them attain autonomy from the Czechoslovakian nation. Czechoslovakia had been created at the end of World War I with a heritage of mostly Slovaks living in it. Thus, when Germany alone guided them to their own nation in March of 1939, the Slovaks were obliged to support the Germans in their battle.
Italy
Italy was going to be crushed after launching an invasion in Ethiopia so they sought solace with a 'big brother'; Germany. Benito Mussolini had a dream of capturing all of the Mediterranean and gaining complete control. After initiating the invasion in 1935, the United Nations began to oppose them. Mussolini realizing his folly quickly hid under the wing of Germany. On May 22 of 1939, Italy formally made an alliance with Germany called the Pact of Steel.