Allies

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Allies (disambiguation).

"Allied Forces" redirects here. For the Triumph album, see Allied Forces (album).

"Allied" redirects here. For the automobile, see Allied (automobile).

In general, allies are individuals, groups or nations that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common or purpose. Allies spelled with a capital "A", usually denotes the countries who fought together against the Central Powers in World War I or those who fought against the Axis Powers in World War II, as in "Allies of World War II."

In English usage, those who share a common goal and whose work toward that goal is complementary may be viewed as allies for various purposes even when no explicit agreement has been worked out between them. Similarly, when the term is used in the context of war or armed struggle, a formal military alliance is not required for being perceived as an ally—co-belligerence, to fight alongside someone, is enough. According to this general usage, allies become allies not when concluding an alliance treaty but when struck by war.