The Allied Powers
The Allied Powers, who were also know as the "Anti-Hitler Coalition, were the countries against the Axis powers during World War II. The big four Allied powers included Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union and France.
At the start of the war on September 1, 1939, France, Poland and the United Kingdom made up what was known as the anti-German coalition. They were soon joined by the British Dominions that consisted of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, New Foundland and South Africa.
After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941, the United States formally entered the war. The leader of the United States along with the leaders of the Soviet Union and the British Commonwealth, held leadership of the Allied powers and they quickly became known as "The Big Three". Also at the time, Chinese Nationalists became a major Allied power.
Soon after, many other countries, both big and small, joined the side of the Allies. Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Yugoslavia are just some of these countries.
Although they all wanted different outcomes from defeating the Axis powers (Germany, Japan, Italy), winning the war was everyone's main goal.
Brief Timeline:
- December 8, 1941 Britain and the US declare war on Japan.
- May 12, 1943 Allied forces defeat Axis forces in north Africa.
- September 3, 1943 Italy surrenders to the Allies.
- May 4, 1945 German forces in Italy surrender to the Allies.
- August 14, 1945 Japanese surrender to the Allied forces, ending WWII.
The "Big Three"
The "Big Three", or the leaders of the Allied coalition, included Franklin D. Roosevelt (U.S.), Winston Churchill (Great Britain) and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union).
U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt created the name United Nations for the Allies. He also referred to The Big Three and China as "the trusteeship of the powerful". He later referred to them as the "Four Policemen".
U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt created the name United Nations for the Allies. He also referred to The Big Three and China as "the trusteeship of the powerful". He later referred to them as the "Four Policemen".
Participants of WWII
Dark Green: Allies before the attack on Pearl Harbour
Light Green: Allied countries that entered the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
Orange: Axis Powers
Light Green: Allied countries that entered the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
Orange: Axis Powers
Sources:
http://www.worldwar2history.info/war/Allies.html
http://www.historyonthenet.com/WW2/WW2_timeline.htm
http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/WW2/involved.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allies_of_World_War_II