German-Japanese Alliance
...after the start of the war in Europe. However, the German Japan relationship dates back to 1936, when Hitler sent Joachim von Ribbentrop to sign the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan. The Anti-Comintern Pact was an agreement between Germany and Japan to thwart the spread of communism. This was the beginning of the Axis alliance, and Italy joined in late 1936. In case of an attack by the Soviet Union against Germany or Japan, these two countries would back each other. Germany ensures that it would have an ally in event of a Soviet attack, and Japan had Germany recognize its puppet regime in Manchuria. Hitler broke the terms of this pact in 1939 when he signed the Nazi-Soviet Pact with Soviet Union. At this point, Hitler was planning the invasion of Poland and wanted to ensure he would have to fight a two front war. By 1940, Hitler's glare had reached the Soviet Union again and his hatred for communism began to boil. He informed the Soviet Union that he will be joining the alliance with Japan and Italy, but was non- aggression towards the Soviet Union. (Fuller, pg. 201)
The three power pact was signed by Germany, Italy and Japan on September 27, 1940. The pact basically states that these three countries will work together to establish and maintain a new order of things to promote the mutual prosperity of its people. The pact included six articles, the first two states that Japan will respect the leadership of Germany and Italy in Europe, and Germany and Italy will respect Japan's control in East Asia. The sixth article also states that the pact will be in place for 10 years, at which time the parties could work towards a renewal.
This pact benefited both the Germans and the Japanese. Ever since the late 19th century, Japan has been trying to gain territory at the expanse of Russia and China on mainland Asia. It succeeded in gaining influence...
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