What is happening in Earth's relationship with the sun during winter in the
northern hemisphere?

Earth's tilted axis causes the seasons. Throughout the year, different parts of Earth receive the Sun's most direct rays. So, when the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere. And when the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Explanation:

the only other powers were germany russia and uk and they were too busy fighting each other wearing each other down   that the us was becoming strong and they were becoming weaker