Pact of Steel and World War II

The Pact of Steel, signed on May 22, 1939, between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, was a significant military and political alliance. Negotiated by German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, it further aligned the two regimes, promising mutual support in the event of war. The pact was signed amid rising tensions in Europe, with both countries pursuing aggressive territorial expansion. Although it assumed no war for three years, WWII began just six months later, catching Italy by surprise. The pact had lasting effects, solidifying the Axis alliance and influencing the course of the war.

What was the primary target of the Anti-Comintern Pact, which Germany and Italy were part of?

• France

• United Kingdom

• USSR

• United States

What was the official name of the Pact of Steel?

• Pact of Military Cooperation

• Pact of Friendship and Alliance

• Pact of Axis Powers

• Pact of European Unity

What did the Pact of Steel promise between Germany and Italy?

• Economic collaboration

• Cultural exchange

• Mutual military and political support

• Scientific research cooperation

Which countries had Germany already annexed by the time the Pact of Steel was signed?

• Austria and Czechoslovakia

• Poland and France

• Denmark and Norway

• Belgium and Netherlands

What assumption was the Pact of Steel based on regarding the outbreak of war?

• War would start within a year

• War would be avoided entirely

• War would not occur for at least three years

• War would start immediately

How did the outbreak of World War II affect Italy's involvement in the conflict?

• Italy was fully prepared and joined immediately

• Italy was caught by surprise and delayed its entry

• Italy decided to remain neutral

• Italy switched sides to the Allies

What was the broader impact of the Pact of Steel on World War II?

• It led to the formation of the Axis alliance

• It had no significant impact

• It resulted in immediate peace

• It caused the Allies to surrender