Changes

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The AXIS powers (Germany, Japan, & Italy) and the Soviet Union goals shifted throughout. The strategic goals of these 4 countries changed substantially over the course of the conflict. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union, the USSR's primary was simply survival. But as the war went on fortunes changed - so did their goals. Often these differences were heavily affected by events on the battlefield or shifting political realities. Still, many of the initial goals of the war were driven directly by angst over the Treaty of Versailles and efforts to dramatically reshape the world map.

====Conclusion====

As the United States entered into the war, the major goals of the belligerent powers shifted. Germany, Italy, and Japan would each lose the war, with Italy knocked out of the war in 1943 and Germany and Japan in 1945. Each of these powers' dreams of empire were replaced with reconstruction of their shattered nation. Germany faced separation between occupying allies then formed into capitalist West and Communist East Germany. The U.S. and U.K. sought stability and self-determination towards the end of the war with the United States taking the lead. Across Western Europe liberated countries established democratic forms of government and free market systems. The Western Allies desperately feared that the issues surrounding the end of the war could lead to a Third World War or the spread of Communism. Seeking to learn after the mistakes of Versailles massive aid was established across Europe. Presidents Roosevelt and Truman sought to tamp down potential grievances and allowed Germany, Italy, and Japan to enter easily into the postwar international community.

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