The states allied to Germany, Italy and Japan before and during the Second World War. The term 'Axis' helps differentiate them from the Allied powers (which included Britain and America).
Axis
Fact of the Day
King John used the fat from 40 pigs to blow up the southern wall of Rochester Castle during a siege in 1215
Quote of the Day
"Pray for me, now my calamity is at hand!
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~ John Stubbs, just before having his hand removed for seditious writing, 1579
On This Day
1429 A French force led by Joan of Arc lifted the seven-month-long Siege of Orléans.
1559 Elizabeth I gave her approval to the Acts of Uniformity and Supremacy, establishing a middle of the road Protestant faith for the whole country, banning Catholicism and enforcing church attendance, and confirming Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England.
1660 Charles II was proclaimed king of England. The British monarchy was restored after the English Civil War.
1701 Captain Kidd went on trial for murder and piracy on the high seas. He was found guilty and hanged 15 days later.
1903 French post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin died of an accidental drug overdose, aged 54.
1945 VE Day: The Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany, bringing an end to war in Europe.
1952 Women in Greece were granted the right to vote.