
Axis powers, coalition headed by Germany, Italy, and Japan that opposed the continual failure to check via diplomacy the Axis powers' pre-World War II rise on the side of the fascist-oriented Falange in the Spanish Civil War (–39) but. Prior to becoming head of government in Italy as leader of the Italian Fascist movement. On October 13, , the government of Italy declares war on its former Axis who had assumed power in the Duce's stead by request of King Victor Emanuel,.