Why did Italy join Germany and Japan in the Second World War?

The three principal partners in the Axis alliance were Germany, Italy, and Japan. These three ... Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact on November 6, 1937. On May 22, 1939, ... Even before the Tripartite Pact, two of the three Axis powers had initiated conflicts that would become theaters of war in World War II. read more

Japan chose to go to war to secure its own oil and interests, which coincided with Germany's war in the West, and also coupled with Japanese distrust of the Soviet Union. These are all reasons why Japan joined the Axis powers in WWII. read more

From this point, Japan along with Germany, Italy, and smaller states, came together as more of one force. When Germany declared war on the United States as a response to them declaring war with Japan, this further strengthened the relationship. read more