From the beginning of World War Two in 1939, the German War Machine's might was proven with a quick takeover of Poland. In the three years that were to follow the Axis Powers were to line up victory after victory, successfully capturing France, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. The Axis powers seemed to be invincible and by late 1941 Britain was the only of the Axis Powers' enemy still standing. However by late 1942 the tables turned and the Allies suffered their first major defeats. Due to a range of different reasons the Axis Powers were defeated by 1945. This essay will outline the reasons for the Axis defeat and evaluate their importance.
The Grand Alliance played an important role in the defeat of the Axis Powers. The United States of America were drawn into the war by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941. The Russians had also been forced into the war by the German surprise attack, Operation Barbarossa, in June earlier the same year.
Offensive plan for Operation Barbarossa.
German Doctors at Ellis Island (LOC)
English: Children waving German, Italian, and Japa...The British, Russians and Americans now faced common enemies and an alliance was formed to defeat the Axis powers. The Grand Alliance was very strong; the populations the countries of the Grand Alliance amounted to 340 million while the populations of Germany, Japan and Italy only added up to 200 million. The Allies were also superior when measuring the resources and military supplies. The American Economy was the strongest in the world and was able to make a significant contribution to the war, pumping billions of dollars into the war effort. By 1944 the American economy had a capacity of 70, 000 tanks and 12, 000 aircraft per year, more then any other economy. The Russian economy was also made a major contribution to the war. The Russian industry...