List of World War II puppet states

During World War II a number of countries were conquered and controlled. These countries were then given new names, and assigned new governmental positions, and are given the name of puppet state. Germany and Japan were the two countries with the most puppet states. Italy also had several puppet states. Most of the allies (with the exception of the Soviet Union) did not have many puppet states until post-war.

Soviet Union
The Soviet Union had had a puppet state prior to World War II (The Tuvinian People's Republic), but they acquired many more during or as a result of the war.

Pre-World War II

 * Tuvan People's Republic (1921 - 1944)

Following the chaos of the Russian Revolution, on 14 August 1921, Tuva was taken from China's Outer Mongolia. Though it was only recognized by the Soviet Union and the Mongolian People's Republic, it was not officially part of the Soviet Union until 1944, when it was quietly annexed into part of the Soviet Union.

During World War II

 * Finnish Democratic Republic (1939 - 1940)

During World War II, the Soviet Union acquired a number of territories, typically by "liberating" them, just to make them a puppet state of their own. The first was the Finnish Democratic Republic. Though it was only officially recognized by the Soviet Union, Stalin planned to use it to take over Finland. Acquired exactly three months after the Invasion of Poland, it was short-lived, lasting only one-hundred two days, until 12 March 1940, when it was merged with the Karelian ASSR.


 * Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (1940 - 1941, 1944 - 1991)

Before the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States, Russia signed the Soviet–Estonian Mutual Assistance Treaty, the Soviet–Latvian Mutual Assistance Treaty, and the Soviet–Lithuanian Mutual Assistance Treaty, and used them as an excuse for their invasion. Stalin invaded Estonia on 16 June 1940. By 21 July, Stalin declared it a Soviet State. It was illegally annexed on 9 August of the same year. The Soviet Union maintained its control until 25 July 1941, when Germany gained control of it, creating the Reichskommissariat Ostland, or "Realm Commissariat Land," which was a conglomerate of the Baltic States. It stayed in German hands until 26 September 1944, when the Soviet Union recaptured it during Baltic Offensive.


 * Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (1940 - 1941, 1945 - 1991)

As with the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, Latvia was invaded on 16 June 1940. Like Estonia, Stalin claimed Latvia as a Soviet State on 21 July. It was illegally annexed on 5 August 1940. Germany successfully captured and began the occupation of Latvia on 10 July 1941. The Germans made combined it part of the Reichskommissariat Ostland. It was later recaptured by the Soviets.


 * Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (1940 - 1941, 1945 - 1991)

Lithuania was invaded by the Soviet Union on 16 June 1940. It was claimed as a Soviet State on 21 July 1940, and was illegally annexed on 3 August 1940. On 22 June 1941, Germany began occupying Lithuania, and combined it with Reichskommissariat Ostland. Germany had control of Lithuania until 28 January 1945, when it was successfully recaptured in the Baltic Offensive.


 * Second East Turkestan Republic (1944 - 1949)

The Second East Turkestan Republic was part of China's Outer Mongolia. On 12 November 1944, three Chinese provinces rebelled, and sided with the Soviets. They remained part of the Soviet Union until 20 October 1949, when China's People's Liberation Army came over, and cut off relations.

Post World War II
The Soviet Union didn't get any puppet states after World War II until November 1945, nearly two months after the wars end. But, as a result of World War II, in 1949, Germany was split in to East Germany, or "The German Democratic Republic," and West Germany, or "The Federal Republic of Germany."


 * Azerbaijan People's Government (1945 - 1946)

The Azerbaijan People's Government was formed on 21 November 1945. In 1941, the Soviet Union participated in the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran. After the Azerbaijani Democratic Party was formed in September 1945, it began a bloodless coup. On 21 November 1941, the coup was completed, and the Iranian province of Iranian Azerbaijan was in the hands of the communists. Stalin helped in the creation of the country, and made it a puppet state. After just 204 days, it was dissolved on 13 June 1946, after an agreement was reached.


 * East Germany (1949 - 1990)

The Soviet Union was helping govern post-war Germany, along with the United States, United Kingdom, and France, with minor zones belonging to Belgium and Luxembourg. On 7 October 1949, the Soviet Union split Berlin, and with Berlin, all of Germany in to two parts: East and West Germany. East and West were reunified on 3 October 1990.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom only had two puppet states during World War II, both of which were in the Middle East; one in Iraq, and one in Iran.


 * The Kingdom of Iraq (1941 - 1958)

After achieving its independence in 1932, Iraq's government was very unstable. After five military coups, the government conceded to army demands. Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, a member of the Party of National Brotherhood, or HIW (Hizb al-Ikha al-Watani), a party that had signed a pact with the Nazi Party. This led to a reasonable amount of nervousness by the British authorities. This finally led to the Anglo-Iraqi War. After just 29 days, ending on 31 May 1941, the United Kingdom had control of Iraq. Once they were in control, the sacked the entire government, and replaced it with Nuri al-Said and others, who were not sided with the National Socialists. British forces remained in Iraq until 1947. In 1958, Iraq joined Jordan to form the Arab Federation of Iraq and Jordan, which was a short-lived country that lasted only 169 days.


 * Imperial States of Iran (1941 - 1953)

In 1941, after Britain and the Soviet Union joined sides, they saw the Trans-Iranian Railway as an attractive transport route to get oil from the Persian Gulf to the Soviet Union. After Iran's leader, Reza Shah, refused to dispel German Nationalists, Britain and the Soviet Union invaded Iran, in the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran. Beginning on 25 August 1941, and ending just 23 days later, on 17 September 1941, the invasion resulted in Shah's son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to step on to the throne. In 1953, the United States and the United Kingdom aided in a coup d'état.

Japan
Japan had been creating puppet states in China since the 1931 Mukden Incident. It established a puppet state in 1932.


 * Manchukuo (1932–1945)

After the Mukden Incident of 1931, the Japanese established Manchukuo as a puppet state. Japan remained in control of Manchukuo until the Soviet invasion of Manchuria, on 20 August 1945.


 * Mengjiang United Autonomous Government (1936–1945)

After Japan's creation of Manchukuo, they sought to expand their borders. Spreading in to Chahar in 1933, and later in to Suiyuan, they merged them both on 12 May 1936, under the Mongol Military Government. In 1937, it was renamed the Mongol United Autonomous Government. On 1 September 1939, Southern Chahar and Northern Shanxi were merged with the Mongol United Autonomous Government, and renamed, to the Mengjiang United Autonomous Government. It was incorporated as a region in to the Nanjing Nationalist Government in 1940. It was again renamed on 1941, to the Mongolian Autonomous Federation. It was disestablished on 20 August 1945, when it was invaded by the Soviets, and the Mongol Army, as part of the Soviet invasion of Manchuria.


 * Great Way Municipal Government of Shanghai (1937–1938)

Established on 5 December 1937, it was occupied in the earlier stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was disestablished on 3 May 1938, after the countries leader was pressured to join the Reformed Government of the Republic of China. On 30 March 1940, it was merged with the Reorganized National Government of China. On 10 August 1945, it was disestablished, just after the Soviet invasion of Manchuria.


 * Reformed Government of the Republic of China (1938–1940)

Established 28 March 1938 from parts of the Republic of China and the Dadao Government, the Reformed Government of the Republic of China]] was largely called a sham by the local inhabitants, because of its failure to give any real authority. It, along with the Provisional Government of China, was merged with the Nanjing Nationalist Government on 30 March 1940.


 * Provisional Government of the Republic of China (1937–1940)

First invaded by Japan after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 9 July 1937. By 14 December 1937, the Provisional Government had been set up. It was formed from parts of China and Japan's pre-World War II puppet state, the East Hebei Autonomous Council, and the Republic of China (1912-1949). On 30 March 1940, it was merged into the Nanjing Nationalist Government.


 * Nanjing Nationalist Government (1940–1945)

The Nanjing Nationalist Government was set up on 30 March 1940, to group Japan's puppet states in to one, larger, and easier to control state. Though Mengjiang was incorporated, it remained relatively free of its influence. It was disestablished on 10 August 1945, by the Soviet invasion.


 * State of Burma (1943–1945)

British Burma was invaded by Japan to obtain raw materials that Japan and its puppet states were lacking. The state, which was officially established on 1 August 1943, was quickly joined with Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which was Japan's plan to take over all of East Asia. After its capture in 1943, Burma remained in Japanese hands until 27 March 1945, after a nationwide day of rebellion by the people of Burma.


 * Second Philippine Republic (1943–1945)

The Second Philippine Republic was established 14 October 1943, after Japan's successful invasion of the Philippines. They then replaced the government. The Japanese maintained control of the Philippines until 1944, when the Americans began their invasion of the Philippines. The state was officially disestablished on 17 August 1945.


 * Provisional Government of Free India (1943–1945)

Established 21 October 1943, Azad Hind, or Free India, was an Indian provisional government set up in Singapore, which was supported by Japan. It was up as part of a movement by nationalists-in-exile in order for India to free itself from the British Monarchy. The puppet state collapsed just 15 days before the surrender of Japan.


 * Imperial State of Vietnam (1945)

The Japanese invaded French Indochina in 1940, while Germany was invading France. From there, they slowly got closer and closer to making it their own, until it the Imperial State of Vietnam was created in 1945. Despite Japan's strong hold on the country for many years, it was short-lived. Lasting just 165 days, from 11 March 1945 to 23 August 1945, it was taken over by the communist group Viet Minh, which had support from both the United States and the Republic of China (1912-1949).


 * Kingdom of Cambodia (1945)

Japan had also had a long-lasting foothold in Cambodia, following the 1940 signing of a treaty of friendship. Japan took Cambodia during its invasion of Indochina. In an effort to get local support in the what where correctly predicted to be the last months of World War II, the Empire of Japan dissolved the French Administration of Cambodia, which they had been occupying for nearly four years. Starting on 9 March 1945, Cambodia was officially a puppet state. A couple of months later, on 15 August 1945, Japan surrendered Cambodia.

Germany
Germany had a large number of puppet states after the start of World War II. Some were countries that once supported it, but fell to the Allies. Others were countries that Germany invaded. Also see Administrative divisions of Nazi Germany for administrative divisions.


 * Slovak Republic (1939–1945)

After announcing its independence from the-now Czech Republic on 14 March 1939 by a unanimous vote, Slovakia was the only other country to aid in Germany's invasion of Poland, aside from the Soviet Union. Slovakia was officially recognized as a client state of Germany. After a 1944 uprising, the country lost most of its independence. They country was de facto on 4 May 1945, after the Soviet capture of Bratislava, and was dissolved on 8 May 1945, when the exiled Slovak government capitulated.


 * French State (1940–1945)

After the German victory over France on 22 June 1940, Germany was occupying France. On 10 July 1940, Vichy France was set up. Much of France remained free for some time after their armistice with Germany. Southern France was occupied on 11 November 1942. Paris was liberated on 25 August 1944. France was officially completely free of German rule on 22 April 1945.


 * The Hellenic State (1941–1944)

On 28 October 1940, Italy invaded Greece, in an attempt to spread its reach in the Mediterranean. Unable to take Greece by itself, Italy got the backing of Germany on 6 April 1941. On 23 April, Italy was officially out of Greece, and on 30 April, Greece had fallen to Germany. In 1943, after Italy's capitulation, the Principality of the Pindus was added to the country. Germany withdrew on 12 October 1944, after a British invasion. Less than two years after their liberation, Greece burst in to a civil war, lasting longer than their occupation. Germany also at one point proposed plans to make Macedonia an independent puppet state, but it was never carried out.


 * Government of National Salvation (1941–1944)

The Government of National Salvation was formed on 29 August 1941, shortly after Germany's Invasion of Yugoslavia. During the Soviet Union's Belgrade Offensive, in mid-October 1944, the country's head officials were evacuated.


 * Quisling's Norwegian National government (1942–1945)

Germany had already been occupying Norway since 24 April 1940. On 1 February 1942, Germany appointed Vidkun Quisling as the government's leader, though Germany continued to operate their Reichskommissariat de facto until 1945. Germany kept its control over the state until its capitulation, on 8 May 1945. The state was officially disestablished on 9 May, a day later, after Quisling was arrested.


 * The Lokot Autonomy (1942–1943)

Established on 17 July 1942 after Germany's push into the Soviet Union. It was mainly used as a supplier of food, and an area to transport goods. It was disestablished towards the end of August 1943.


 * The Belarusian Central Rada (1943 - 1944)

Set up on 1 March 1943, the Belarusian Central Rada was a puppet state set up inside Germany's Reichskommissariat, or Realm Commissariat, of Reichskommissariat Ostland. The short-term goal of this country was to create a pro-German attitude in the area. It was disestablished on 2 July 1944, after German authorities were withdrawn. The Belarusian Central Rada is not considered a Reichskommissariat because it had a collaborationist government.


 * Kingdom of Albania (1943–1944)

After the capitulation of Italy on 8 September 1943, Germany took control of Italy, and Albania. On 14 September 1943, after much persuasion from Germany, Albania set up its own government. Albania remained formally dependent on Germany until 13 July 1944, when they attained formal independence. It had relative sovereignty under Germany, until 28 November 1944, when Albania was liberated by the Allies.


 * Independent State of Croatia (1943–1945)

On September 8, 1943, the capitulation of Italy made Italy no longer an Axis power. So Germany invaded most of Italy's old puppet states, or in this case, they invaded a protectorate. It remained a puppet state of Germany's until the end of World War Two in Europe, on 8 May 1945.


 * Monaco (1943–1944)

After the capitulation of Italy in 1943, Germany took over Monaco, among other once-Italian controlled areas, and set up their own puppet governments in those areas. Allied troops liberated Monaco on 6 September 1944.


 * Italian Social Republic (1943-1945)

After Italy surrendered, Germany took over all Italian territories, including Italy. It was proclaimed on 23 September 1943, and lasted until about 25 April 1945.


 * Independent State of Montenegro (1943-1944)

Like many other territories of Italy after its capitulation, Montenegro was invaded by Germany. It was officially a German puppet state on 8 September 1943. It was liberated on 15 December 1944.


 * Kingdom of Hungary (1944–1945)

The Kingdom of Hungary, sometimes also called the Arrow Cross Governmant, after the Hungarian political party. was formed on 17 October 1944 as a result of Operation Panzerfaust, Germany's attempt to keep Hungary on their side of the war. Though German occupation ended on 12 April 1945, the Kingdom of Hungary was not disestablished until 7 May 1945.

Reichskommissariats
Germany created a number of Reichskommissariats during World War II. This term is used to refer to quasi-colonial states of Nazi Germany, which were planned to be repopulated with Germans.


 * Reichskommissariat Norwegen (1940–1945)

Set up on 24 April 1940, after Germany's invasion of Norway and Denmark, the state was made de facto after the creation of Quisling's Norwegian National government in 1942. It continued in operation until Germany's capitulation.


 * Reichskommissariat Niederlande (1940–1945)

Set up on 29 May 1940, after a short, seven day battle lasting from 10 to 17 May 1940, that ended in the Dutch surrender. It was temporarily placed under the command of a German civilian leader. Germany remained in control of the Reichskommissariat until in operation until a day after Germany's capitulation, on 9 May 1945.


 * Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France (1940–1944), and the Reichskommissariat Belgien-Nordfrankreich (1944)

Formed out of Northern France and Belgium, this the Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France was established on 28 May 1940, after 18 days of fighting (see Belgium in World War II). Northern France was added on 22 June 1940, after France's surrender. It remained under German military administration until the Führer Decree of 12 July 1944, when it became the Reichskommissariat Belgien-Nordfrankreich. Allied liberation began in September 1944, and it was annexed to Germany in December 1944.


 * Reichskommissariat Ostland (1941–1945)

The Reichskommissariat Ostland was a conglomerate of the Baltic States that Germany had captured during its advance in to the Soviet Union. It was created by Führer Decree on 25 July 1941. It remained in German hands until the Soviet's counterattack in 1945.


 * Reichskommissariat Ukraine (1941–1944)

On 16 July 1941, Adolf Hitler appointed Erich Koch as Reichskommissar of Reichskommissariat Ukraine. Originally part of the Reich Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories, it was first separated on 1 September 1941. The final piece of land was added a year later, on 1 September 1942. After the Soviet counteroffensive, all of Ukraine was back in Soviet hands by October 1944.


 * Others

Germany also had planned several others, Reichskommissariat Moskowien, which was to be most of Russia, Reichskommissariat Kaukasus, which was to be Southern Russia and the Caucasus areas, Reichskommissariat Turkestan in Central Asia, and Reichskommissariat Don-Wolga, which was to stretch from the Sea of Azov to the Volga German Republic, but these were either never fully established, or never established at all. A final one was planned, Reichskommissariat Ural, but not much is known about it, though it is presumed to be most of the Ural Mountains.

Italy
Though Italy did not have as many puppet states as the Soviet Union, Imperial Japan, or Nazi Germany, Italy did have a few. All of Italy's puppet states were captured by Germany after the fall of Italy.


 * Kingdom of Albania (1939–1943)

Though Albania had been a long-time supporter of Italy, and had been a de facto government since 1922, Benito Mussolini, Italy began its invasion of Albania on 7 April 1939. After a brief resistance, Albania's leader, Zog I, fled to Greece. After the Armistice of Cassibile, Italy was out of the war. On 8 September 1943, Germany invaded Italy, and the Kingdom of Albania, making Italy the Italian Social Republic, and the Albanian Kingdom under German control.


 * Monaco (1942–1943)

In November 1942, Italy invaded Monaco and set up a Fascist government. After the capitulation of Italy, Germany took over Monaco.


 * Independent State of Montenegro (1941–1943)

Invaded on 5 May 1941, Italy invaded Montenegro, to expand its borders on the Adriatic Sea, as it had done with Albania. After the capitulation of Italy in 1943, Germany took over Montenegro.


 * Principality of the Pindus (1941–1943)

After the fall of Greece on 30 April 1941, Greece was divided among the Axis states. The Principality of Pindus was Italy's part of Greece. After Italy's capitulation in 1943, the state became part of The Hellenic State.