- Germany: Hitler's main goals were to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, which had been imposed on Germany after World War I. He wanted to expand Germany's territory and create a greater German Empire (Greater Germany).
- Italy: Mussolini was seeking to expand Italy's territory and create a new Roman Empire. He also wanted to control the Mediterranean Sea and to become a major European power.
- France: France was concerned with maintaining the balance of power in Europe and wanted to prevent Germany from becoming too powerful.
- Great Britain: Britain wanted to maintain the status quo in Europe and keep Germany from dominating the continent.
- Soviet Union: Stalin was not initially involved in the war, but was concerned about the growing power of Nazi Germany and signed the Nazi-Soviet Pact in an attempt to maintain peaceful relations with Germany.