World War II The Leaders
Adolf Hitler
Hitler Austrian Book: Mein Kampf Anger over German treatment after WWI Dream: Unite German speaking people Anger over German treatment after WWI Rise in politics Takes power in 1934 Third Reich Total domination of government, economy, and society
Benito Mussolini
Mussolini Takes power in 1922 Set up a fascist state Prime Minister Set up a fascist state Became involved in a crisis in Greece Invaded Ethiopia, Albania Made a pact with Germany
Francisco Franco
Franco Spanish Rose to power via military Overthrow of Spain=Spanish Civil War Aided by Hitler and Mussolini Spain = testing grounds for WW2
Joseph Stalin
Stalin Leader of USSR in 1934 “Man of Steel” Police state Great Purge 8-13 million Didn’t initially see Hitler as a threat Poland divided between Hitler and Stalin Concerned about Hitler, aids Britain, France and US in war
Neville Chamberlain
Chamberlain Prime Minister of GB from 1937-1940 Not popular Gave in to Hitler
Winston Churchill
Churchill Prime Minister of GB after Chamberlain No patience for aggressive actions in Europe (Hitler/Mussolini) Gained support from FDR Incredible leadership during and after the war
Hideki Tojo
Tojo Appointed minister of war Later, Prime Minister of Japan Supported Hitler; concerned about Stalin and USSR expansion Ordered attack on Pearl Harbor
Emperor Hirohito
Hirohito Leader of Japan during war years Supported Tojo’s attack on Pearl Harbor Later, found Tojo troublesome for Japan Fired him Changed the role of emperor in Japan