Final answer:
Hitler and Mussolini joined forces to form the Axis Powers, which included Germany, Italy, and later Japan, leading to significant events in World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fascist dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini joined forces to form the Axis Powers. This alliance included not only Germany and Italy but later also Japan, solidifying with the signing of the Tripartite Pact in September 1941. The pact outlined mutual support within the coalition;
however, it ultimately precipitated the United States entering World War II on the side of the Allies after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and Germany's subsequent declaration of war on the U.S. Benito Mussolini, as the leader of Italy's National Fascist Party, became the country's dictator in the 1920s and later partnered with Hitler, consolidating fascist power in Europe. Mussolini's rule was briefly interrupted in 1943 but was reinstated by Hitler as a puppet regime until close to the war's end.
The formation of this partnership was due in part to mutual interests and the sense of common enemies, including democratic nations and supposed conspiracies that were used to bolster support for their regimes. Notably, this powerful dictatorial duo helped plunge the world into a devastating global conflict, characterized by territorial aggression and the pursuit of racial supremacy.