New Zealand was involved in the Second World War from start to finish due to its close ties with Great Britain. New Zealand fought hard and sacrificed many men in the battles fought. The Battle of Crete, the North African Campaign and the Battle of Britain are three examples of how New Zealand troops contributed to the Allied effort. His involvement in World War II increased his confidence and strengthened his sense of identity. New Zealand declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, soon after the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. New Zealand and Great Britain were in a very close alliance. If something was a threat to Britain, then it was a threat to New Zealand too. When Italy entered the war on the side of Germany on 10 June 1940, New Zealand became much more serious and instituted military conscription. On 7 December 1941 New Zealand declared war on Finland, Hungary and Romania. Great Britain, the United States and New Zealand declared war on Japan on 8 December 1941. Also on 13 December 1941, New Zealand declared war on Bulgaria. The Second World War claimed fifty million lives, including one in 150 New Zealanders. The Second World War gave New Zealand a new identity and great confidence in its importance in the world. Around 140,000 New Zealand men and women served in the war. The Allies fought in the North African campaign, which ended with the surrender of Germany and Italy. This campaign took place between 1940 and 1943. During this period the 2nd New Zealand Division fought in some of the fiercest battles of this desert campaign. In June 1940 Italy decided to enter the war alongside Germany. This decision endangered Britain's position in Egypt. In September 1940, 250,000 Italian soldiers entered Egypt. The Italians were... middle of paper......and the remaining Allied soldiers surrendered on June 1, 1941. Some subsequently managed to escape to Egypt with the help of Cretan civilians. Those who failed to escape were taken to a transit camp without food or water before being transported to mainland Greece. Once in Greece they were taken to transit camps in Corinth or Thessaloniki. Most of the men managed to escape into the hills due to the lack of security in the camps. New Zealand had a major impact on the outcome of the Second World War. Furthermore, World War II changed New Zealand for the better. New Zealand fought hard, sacrificed many men and helped win many battles. The Second World War led New Zealand to form relationships with other countries that it most likely would not have formed if it had not fought in the war. The confidence New Zealand has today is due, in part, to its efforts in the Second World War.