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
According to Suetonius, emperor Caligula banned anyone mentioning goats in his presence, because he looked like one.
Quote of the Day
"There will be opened a gateway and a road to a large and excellent science ... into which minds more piercing than mine shall penetrate to recesses still deeper.
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~ Galileo
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.