World War II saw over 50 million deaths globally. The Axis powers of Italy, Germany, Japan and Russia each had totalitarian regimes led by dictators seeking to expand their nations' power. Italy's Mussolini rose amid economic issues after WWI. Germany's Hitler gained control as the Nazi party amid unemployment and poverty following WWI. Stalin industrialized the Soviet Union through brutal five-year plans. Japan's Tojo and Kita attacked neighboring nations amid their own depression. Had the Axis won, many nations may have become subject to domination by these oppressive, militaristic regimes.

1. World War II-Axis

2. WWII Statistics:
 50 million people died in the world
 80% of Soviet males born
in 1923 didn't survive WWII
 First ever Atomic Bombs
dropped during this war

3. Italy
 Leader: Benito Mussolini
Fascist- Totalitarian regime that stressed
nationalism and placed the interests of the state
above those of individuals.
 In Fascism, the power must rest on a sing
strong leader and a small group of devoted
party members
 He achieved “efficiency” by crushing
all opposition and by making Italy a
totalitarian state
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Country Status:
Economic issues after WWI-Unemployment and inflation brought
bitterness and need of new leadership (Mussolini Steps in)

4. Europe in WWII

5. Germany
 Leader: Adolf Hitler
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Extreme Nationalism and Racism-Wanted racial purification
Militaristic expansionism
Race and Space—Aryan Race
Powerful public speaker (Link)
Wrote the Book Mein Kamp (My Struggle)
Country Status:
Greatly poor after WWI and treaty of Versailles
6 million Germans unemployed—Many joined Hitler’s Army
By 1932 the Nazi’s became the top political party in German, Hitler
became Chancellor (Like the President) in 1933

6. Europe in WWII

7. Russia
 Leader: Joseph Stalin-Took control in
1924 after death of V. Lenin
Started the war on the side of Hitler with the
signing of a non-aggression pact. Joined
the allies after Hitler attacked Russia and
broke the pact
 Agriculture and Industrial Growth were prime economic goals of the
Soviet Union (Russia’s Government)
 Stalin replaced privately owned farms and replaced them with large
government-owned farms
 State ownership of property
 Eliminated anyone who opposed him or threatened his power
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Country Status:
Communist State: All economic activity under
government control and supervision

8. Russia
Joseph Stalin:
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1940-Industrial Advancement had soviets competing well with the
west
Stalin was portrayed positively and respectfully throughout the
country, became very popular
How did he do it?
Five Year Plan- This is how we compete with the west:
Relocated people
Took land and those who opposed were sent to
prisoner camps and executed
Killed 10-15 million of his own people who he saw as
“enemies of the state”.

9. Europe in WWII

10. Japan
 Leader: Ikka Kita and Hideki Tojo
 Attacked Manchuria in 1931, first act of World War II
 This act was against the policies of the Treaty of Versailles,
they Quit the league of nations
 Militarists now controlled Japan, Totalitarian government
built for aggression
 Country Status :
 Economic crisis and depression
 Needed more room for their people-China!
 A rise of nationalism and failure democratic
leaders=Totalitarianism

11. Discussion Questions:
 1. What do we see in common
between all the wants/goals of these
leaders?
2. What do we see in common with
the standard condition around the
world?

12. How our World could have looked if the Axis
Won (Mainly Germany)?
 Lets Find Out…
LINK