In September , 1940 Germany , Italy , and Japan signed a mutual defense agreement , the Tripartite Pact .
In September , 1940 Germany , Italy , and Japan signed a mutual defense agreement , the Tripartite were known as the Axis Powers .
In September , 1940 Germany , Italy , and Japan signed a mutual defense agreement , the Tripartite Pact , and were known as the Axis Powers .