Pronunciation: [ˈaksɪs pˈa͡ʊə] (IPA) 
The phrase "Axis power" is commonly used to refer to the alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II. The spelling of "Axis" is pronounced /ˈæksɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "a" pronounced as in "apple" and the "x" pronounced as a combination of "ks". The word "power" is pronounced /ˈpaʊər/, with the "ow" sound pronounced as in "cow". Together, "Axis power" is pronounced as /ˈæksɪs paʊər/.
Axis powers refer to the coalition of countries that opposed the Allied powers during World War II (1939-1945). The term "axis," derived from the Latin word "axis" meaning "line," primarily indicates the alignment of these countries' policies and goals. The Axis powers were mainly comprised of three major nations: Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy.
Led by Adolf Hitler, Nazi Germany sought to establish a totalitarian regime across Europe based on Aryan supremacy and expansionist policies. Japan, under the rule of Emperor Hirohito, aimed to expand its empire across East Asia and the Pacific, driven by a desire for resources and regional dominance. Finally, Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, aimed to create and expand an Italian empire, modeled after the ancient Roman Empire.
These Axis powers formed the coalition in 1936 through the signing of the Anti-Comintern Pact, primarily driven by their opposition to the spread of communism and their territorial ambitions. The collaboration between these nations intensified over time, especially after the signing of the Tripartite Pact in 1940, officially designating Germany, Italy, and Japan as the Axis powers.
The Axis powers carried out aggressive military campaigns and territorial expansions, including the invasion of Poland, the occupation of France, and the attack on Pearl Harbor, which prompted the United States to enter the war. The alliance was ultimately defeated in 1945, with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan, thereby bringing an end to World War II.
The term Axis powers was derived from the concept of the Axis alliance, which was established in World War II. The word axis originally means a line around which an object rotates. In this context, it was used to symbolize the alignment or partnership between the major fascist powers during the war. The Axis powers consisted primarily of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan, with other smaller countries joining later. The term itself was coined by Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, who referred to their alliance as the Rome-Berlin Axis. Over time, as Japan joined the partnership, it became known as the Axis alliance or simply the Axis powers.
