What Did the Axis Powers Want?
The Axis powers, comprising Germany, Italy, and Japan, were a formidable force during World War II. Their primary goal was territorial expansion at the expense of their neighbors. In ideological terms, they sought to break the hegemony of the plutocratic Western powers and defend civilization from Communism.
The Axis Alliance
The three principal partners in the Axis alliance were Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries recognized German and Italian dominance in continental Europe, as well as Japanese domination over East Asia. Five other European states joined the Axis alliance during World War II.
Germany’s Goals
Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, aimed to:
• Reclaim territories lost in World War I: Germany sought to regain territories such as Alsace-Lorraine, Saar, and Danzig, which were lost after the war.
• Expand its borders: Germany wanted to expand its borders to create a greater German Reich, which would include Austria, Czechoslovakia, and parts of Poland.
• Eliminate Jewish influence: Hitler’s Nazi regime sought to eliminate Jewish influence in Germany and Europe, leading to the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust.
Italy’s Goals
Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, aimed to:
• Expand its colonial empire: Italy sought to expand its colonial empire in Africa and the Mediterranean.
• Create a new Roman Empire: Mussolini wanted to create a new Roman Empire, which would include Italy, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe.
• Eliminate liberal democracy: Italy’s fascist regime sought to eliminate liberal democracy and establish a totalitarian state.
Japan’s Goals
Japan, under the leadership of Hideki Tojo, aimed to:
• Conquer East Asia: Japan sought to conquer East Asia, including China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
• Create a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: Japan wanted to create a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which would include Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, with Japan as the dominant power.
• Eliminate Western influence: Japan’s military regime sought to eliminate Western influence in East Asia and establish a new order with Japan at the helm.
Common Goals
The Axis powers shared common goals, including:
• Expansionism: All three powers sought to expand their territories and influence.
• Anti-communism: The Axis powers were united in their opposition to communism and sought to eliminate it from Europe and Asia.
• Nationalism: Each power sought to promote its own national interests and prestige.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Axis powers wanted to achieve territorial expansion, eliminate Western influence, and establish a new world order with themselves at the helm. Their aggressive expansionist policies led to the outbreak of World War II, which resulted in the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of entire cities.