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The strategic goals of each of the major powers of the Second World War changed substantially over the course of the conflict. Often these differences were heavily affected by events on the battlefield or shifting political realities. Many of the goals were driven directly by angst over the Treaty of Versailles but often also included ideas from the 19th Century. Altogether, several countries tended to force action by the remainder, still clinging to the hope of peace or containing the conflict.
[[File:The_German_occupation_of_Bohemia_and_Moravia.gif|thumbnail|275px|German occupation of Prague, March 15, 1939]]
The most belligerent powers, including Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union, often had the most radical and far-reaching plans. These nations each had different grievances due to the path of colonialism and the First World War. Each used the fears and weaknesses of the other powers of Europe and Asia in order to take advantage for their own purposes. Germany sought domination of the European continent and large areas for settlement in Eurasia. Japan sought the removal of colonial powers and the establishment of an alliance of East Asian powers under its umbrella. Italy looked to re-establish the Roman Empire while Russia sought to reverse the humiliation of the end of the First World War and foreign intervention in the Russian Civil War of 1917-1920. The end of the conflict saw a dramatic reshaping of the continent, with many of the initial goals and grievances that started the conflict become irrelevant in the face of massive changes.
