On November 23, 1940, Romania became one of the signatories of the Tripartite Pact, which brought the nation into the Axis powers led by Nazi Germany. The formal signing took place in Berlin and was attended by Romanian Foreign Minister Mihai Antonescu and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. This agreement was crucial for the Axis powers as it demonstrated their expanding influence across Europe. Romania's decision was primarily motivated by its geopolitical concerns regarding the Soviet Union, which had recently occupied Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina, territories that Romania sought to reclaim.

The Tripartite Pact established a military alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan, promising mutual assistance in the event of an attack by a nation not already involved in the war. Romania’s accession to this pact solidified its partnership with the Axis, allowing for military cooperation and economic assistance from Germany. The implications of this alignment were considerable, as Romania became a critical source of oil supplies for Nazi Germany, vital for sustaining its war efforts on the Eastern Front.

Romania's alignment with the Axis powers also led to significant internal changes. The regime under King Carol II began to shift toward fascist policies, enhancing the authoritarian grip on power and promoting anti-communist and nationalist ideologies. This altered political landscape fostered a climate that set the stage for increased repression against Jews and political opponents in Romania. The impact of this pact would resonate throughout the remainder of the war, including Romania's eventual retreat from the Axis in 1944 during a major Soviet offensive.