1. Road Map to Success: The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Dictators World History II
Vladimir Lenin led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, following the teachings of his idol, Karl Marx. The Revolutions of 1917 succeeded in establishing Marxist Communism in Russia under the Lenin’s leadership, but at a great cost. After Lenin’s death, Joseph Stalin ruled the newly named Soviet Union with fear, paranoia, ruthlessness and utter disregard for human life. But he wasn’t the only new leader in post-World War I Europe to have a negative impact on the world.
After World War I, some European nations faced economic and political turmoil. This era of turmoil would become known as the Great Depression. The people of these nations would turn to anyone for relief, even if it meant giving up some freedoms.
Germany’s Adolph Hitler, Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Japan’s Emperor Hirohito and Hideki Tojo at first were looked upon as saviors who would return their respective countries to greatness. But all of these men had higher aspirations than just restoring order and economic prosperity.
Eventually, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin and Tojo all became corrupted by the power they possessed and because of them, the world would again be dragged into a devastating war.
You will master the following learning standards:
WHII.20 Describe the various causes and consequences of the global depression of the 1930’s and analyze how governments responded to the Great Depression.
WHII.21 Describe the rise and goals of totalitarianism in Italy, Germany, and the Soviet Union, and analyze the policies and ideas of Mussolini, Hitler, Lenin, and Stalin.
WHII.22 Summarize the consequences of Soviet communism to 1945.
WHII.23 Describe the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930’s.

2. What factors/conditions enable dictators to rise to power?
EQs
Is there a connection between a region’s economic strength and its governmental stability?
When is it appropriate for one nation to police another nation’s actions?
What factors/conditions enable dictators to rise to power?
Skill #
Skill
I CAN…
Classroom Activities
Depth of Understanding
4 – Advanced
3 – Proficient
2 – Needs Improvement
1 - Failing
How do I get to a 4? 1
Recall social, political and economic details of Marxist Communism 2
Describe the rise of Communist Russia under Lenin. 3
Summarize Stalin’s policies: Collectivization, Industrialization, and Totalitarianism. 4
Describe the conditions of the Great Depression. 5
Describe how the Depression in Italy and Germany led to the rise of dictatorships. 6
Summarize Mussolini’s use of fascism, and Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. 7
Trace Adolph Hitler’s rise to power and summarize his policies. 8
Trace and Summarize Germany’s drive for expansion. 9
Summarize Hirohito’s impact as leader of Imperial Japan.