Editing Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact (section)

===German–Soviet Axis talks===
{{Main|German–Soviet Axis talks}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1984-1206-523, Berlin, Verabschiedung Molotows.jpg|thumb|Ribbentrop taking leave of Molotov in Berlin, November 1940]]
After Germany in September 1940 entered the [[Tripartite Pact]] with Japan and Italy, Ribbentrop wrote to Stalin, inviting Molotov to Berlin for negotiations aimed to create a 'continental bloc' of Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union that would oppose Britain and the United States.{{Sfn|Roberts|2006|p=59}} Stalin sent Molotov to Berlin to negotiate the terms for the Soviet Union to join the Axis and potentially to enjoy the spoils of the pact.{{Sfn|Roberts|2006|p=58}}{{Sfn|Brackman|2001|p=341}} After negotiations during November 1940 on where to extend the Soviet sphere of influence, Hitler broke off talks and continued planning for the eventual attempts to invade the Soviet Union.{{Sfn|Roberts|2006|p=59}}{{Sfn|Nekrich|Ulam|Freeze|1997|pp=202–5}}