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Allies, The

By Robert Wilde, About.com

Definition: 1. In the First World War, the alliance of nations fighting against the Central Powers. As the original three 'Entente' powers - the British, French and Russian Empires - were joined by other nations their collective name changed to the broader 'Allies'. Both sides used the term. Technically, the United States was an 'Associate Power' of the Allies, and not an Ally itself.
2. In the Second World War, the alliance of nations fighting against the Axis Powers. These included the Soviet Union, United States, France, British Empire and others.

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