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By: HISTORY.com Editors

1940

The Tripartite Pact is signed by Germany, Italy and Japan

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: November 05, 2009Last Updated: November 06, 2025

On September 27, 1940, the Axis powers are formed as Germany, Italy and Japan become allies with the signing of the Tripartite Pact in Berlin. The Pact provided for mutual assistance should any of the signatories suffer attack by any nation not already involved in the war. This formalizing of the alliance was aimed directly at “neutral” America—designed to force the United States to think twice before venturing in on the side of the Allies.

The Pact also recognized the two spheres of influence. Japan acknowledged “the leadership of Germany and Italy in the establishment of a new order in Europe,” while Japan was granted lordship over “Greater East Asia.”

A footnote: There was a fourth signatory to the Pact—Hungary, which was dragged into the Axis alliance by Germany in November 1940.

Why Hungary Sided With Hitler—and How It Backfired

Joining the Axis powers proved to be a terrible miscalculation.

Joining the Axis powers proved to be a terrible miscalculation.

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Citation Information

Article Title: The Tripartite Pact is signed by Germany, Italy and Japan
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/september-27/the-tripartite-pact-is-signed-by-germany-italy-and-japan

Date Accessed: October 21, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: November 06, 2025
Original Published Date: November 05, 2009