After World War 1, several dictators rose to power in Russia, Germany, and Italy. In Russia, Vladimir Lenin led the Bolsheviks and became dictator after the execution of Czar Nicholas II. In Germany, Adolf Hitler led the Nazi party and declared himself dictator after gaining power. In Italy, Benito Mussolini led the Fascist party and was appointed leader after marching on Rome. These dictators consolidated their control and rebuilt their militaries, undermining the peace efforts of the League of Nations and other post-WW1 agreements.

1. World After WWI

2. Rise of the Dictators:

3. RUSSIA
• There were two parties in Russia:
1. Bolsheviks – supported violence
2. Mensheviks – sought change through
peaceful methods

4. • Czar Nicholas II was abducted and executed.

6. • Vladimir Lenin led the Bolsheviks and became
the virtual dictator of Russia

7. • Lenin believed that atheism was vital
• Instructed his forces to execute large numbers
of religious leaders

8. • When Lenin died, Joseph Stalin struggled for
control of the communist party and became
the 2nd dictator of the Soviet Union.

9. Joseph Stalin

10. GERMANY

11. • Adolf Hitler led the Nazi party
– National Socialist German Workers’ Party
• Once in power, Hitler declared himself dictator
of Germany
• He rebuilt Germany for future military
conquest

12. Adolf Hitler

13. ITALY

14. • Italy helped the Allies during WWI, but gained
no land after the war was over.
• Benito Mussolini was head of the Fascist Party
• He led a march on Rome and was appointed
leader of Italy

15. Benito Mussolini

16. Lateran Treaties
• Signed between Mussolini and the Catholic
Church
• Gave the Catholics Vatican City in return for
their end of opposition to the unification of
Italy

17. League of Nations
• Formation led by Woodrow Wilson of the US
• Hoped to prevent future wars
• It turned out to be too weak

18. 3 pacts to prevent future war:
1. Washington Naval Conference
– Agreed to limit the number of war ships each
nation could build

19. 2. Locarno Pact
• Between Germany, France and Belgium
• Agreed on present borders

20. 3. Kellogg-Briand Pact
• Agreed to settle disputes by negotiation
rather than force