Why did Hungary join the Tripartite Pact during World War II?

Hungary joined the Tripartite Pact in November 1940 primarily as a strategic maneuver to secure its national interests and territorial gains amidst the shifting power dynamics of World War II.1

Following the Second Vienna Award in August 1940, which allowed Hungary to regain northern Transylvania with German and Italian support, Hungarian leaders felt increasingly compelled to align with the Axis powers. This decision was driven by several key factors:1

• Fear of Isolation and Retaliation: Hungarian officials believed that placating Germany was essential to prevent Hitler from reversing the territorial awards, particularly if Romania—which had become pro-Axis—persuaded Germany to act against Hungarian interests.1
• Ideological and Military Alignment: Many Hungarian leaders and military officers believed that Germany would ultimately win the war. Consequently, they viewed joining forces with the Axis as the only path to national salvation and a means to avoid being crushed by a dominant Germany.12
• Revisionist Goals: Membership in the Axis camp was seen as a necessary step to achieve the partial revision of the Treaty of Trianon, which had stripped Hungary of significant territory after World War I.2