The term has also been used by the United States Army to describe the countries that gave assistance to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
When spelled with a capital 'A', 'Allies' usually denotes the countries who fought together against the Central Powers in World War I (the Allies of World War I), or those who fought against the Axis Powers in World War II (the Allies of World War II). According to this usage, allies become so not when concluding an alliance treaty but when struck by war. When the term is used in the context of war or armed struggle, such associations may also be called allied powers, especially when discussing World War I or World War II.Ī formal military alliance is not required for being perceived as an ally- co-belligerence, fighting alongside someone, is enough. Alliances form in many settings, including political alliances, military alliances, and business alliances. Members of an alliance are called allies. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery decorates Soviet Marshals and generals at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, 12 July 1945.Īn alliance is a relationship among people, groups, or states that have joined together for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not explicit agreement has been worked out among them.
