Allies





In general, allies are people or groups that have joined an alliance. When
spelt with a capital A, Allies usually denotes the countries that fought
together against the Central Powers in World War I and against the Axis
powers in World War II.

World War II

After Nazi-Germany in March 1939 had occupied the remains of Czechoslovakia,
the British ambassador was recalled from Berlin and Neville Chamberlain
declared that if Hitler attacked Poland, considered next in turn for an
assault by the Third Reich, then Britain and France would give Poland "all
support in their power", a promise soon also given to Greece and Romania
after Italy's conquest of Albania on April 7, 1939.

A formal military alliance was concluded between Britain, France and Poland
on April 6th, 1939, whereafter also the Soviet Union initiated alliance
negotiations, although unsuccessfully. The Soviet Union would instead agree
with Nazi-Germany in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of August 1939.

The dates given below are for entry into the war.

Major Allies

(later: permanent members of the UN Security Council)

   * China
   * France (3 September 1939) - then (after 1940) Free France
   * Great Britain (3 September 1939)
   * Soviet Union (from 22 June 1941)
   * United States (from 7 December 1941)

Minor Allies

   * Australia
   * Belgium (invaded May 10, 1940)
   * Brazil
   * Canada (10 September 1939)
   * Greece (invaded October 28, 1940)
   * Holland (invaded May 10, 1940)
   * Luxembourg
   * New Zealand
   * Norway (invaded April 9, 1940)
   * Poland (invaded 1 September 1939)
   * South Africa
   * Yugoslavia

British, Dutch and French colonies fought alongside their parent countries.
Most countries occupied by Nazi Germany continued to fight as governments in
exile.

Non-fighting ("moral support") Allies

   * The regions of South America and Latin America