DictatorsNations with one party in control (prevalent in Europe and Asia

prior to WWII)1. Uses idea of Nationalism and Revenge to gain support

2. Promise the promotion of their country at the expense of “lesser” peoples (Germany-Jews, Japanese-Chinese)

3. The greater the crisis, the greater the demand for leadership

4. Provide scapegoats for the problems of their country

5. Party control of everything + Dictator = False propaganda to gain support

6. Crushes all opposition

7. Imperialism to increase strength and increase pride in their country – leads to other

conflicts

8. Generally a very militaristic government and society

9. Notice that all of the causes of WWI will be in existence at the start of WWII in 1939. Many of these (Nationalism, Militarism, and Imperialism) are at the center of these Totalitarian governments

Hitler’s Beliefs Hitler believed the Treaty of Versailles was a result

of German leaders betraying the German people. He thought Germany would, one day, have a reemergence as a world power.

Hitler’s Effect on World Politics

• Hitler had an immediate and direct impact on politicians around the world. Some admired his beliefs and convictions, others saw a dangerous man who would, one day, have a direct impact on the death of 52 million people. Allied leaders in Europe made an attempt to appease Hitler in 1938 when they signed the Munich Agreement.

• The Munich Agreement was between Britain & Germany for peace.

Militarism and His Lasting Impact

• Above all else, Hitler believed in the military superiority of the German empire.

• His fighting techniques, such as blitzkrieg, threatened to overthrow Europe in only a year.

Benito Mussolini

Mussolini was in favor of state control of economics, society, and that the political system should be in the hands of few. He directly influenced Hitler and the Nazi’s.

Mussolini & Effects on the World

Possibly Mussolini’s most direct and lasting impact was not in Italy, but his influence on Hitler and Nazism. He created the first Fascist government and was allied with Germany throughout WWII.

Mussolini & Militarism

The Italian army was not known for being a preeminent power during WWII. The Nazi German Empire was forced to defend Italy against Allied advances. Mussolini did, however, extend the Italian empire, especially into Africa.

Joseph Stalin’s Beliefs

Five Year Plans - Goals for the

Communist state (industrial -

economic, then consumer driven)

Collectivization of Agriculture

Increase Soviet knowledge in the

sciences (Space Race after WWII)

Believed in military superiority over the United States (build-up of nuclear weapons)

Stalin’s effects on World Politics

• The effect of Stalin on world politics is virtually impossible to overstate. He led the Soviet Union

• --domestic problems while fighting against Hitler in WWII

• --against the United States in the Cold War

• --trying to gain alliances with developing countries throughout the world.

Stalin & Militarism

Stalin believed in having a large military.

the Soviet Union was invaded by Nazi Germany

June, 1941 Stalin started a build-up of the Soviet army which would last for several decades.

Stalin’s Lasting Impact

The lasting impact of Stalin is one of controversy. Millions of men and women died under his rule of an iron fist. He led the Soviet Union until his death in 1953. He left the United States and Soviet Union embroiled in a battle for world supremacy which would last until 1991 with the Cold War.