1. The Rise of Dictators and Military States
Journal Entry—What do you think might lead people to end up supporting a dictator? Write at least four lines.

2. Why did dictators emerge?
After World War I, much of the world suffered from an economic depression.
Many European countries suffered physically and economically after WWI.
In Russia, a revolution led to the formation of a communist dictatorship.

3. Totalitarianism
Dictators used totalitarianism, a system of government where the government has complete control over its citizens’ lives.
For the most part, the government made all decisions.

4. The Rise of Hitler in Germany
Germany suffered more than any other country after WWI.
Germany was punished by the Treaty of Versailles.
The German economy was devastated by inflation.

5. The Rise of Hitler in Germany
Germans were angry about their treatment in the treaty.
The Nazi party and Adolf Hitler became popular, because they spoke out against the treaty.
As they gained more popularity, they gained power in the government.

6. The Rise of Hitler in Germany
Hitler eventually was named Chancellor, where he was able to begin consolidating power as the Nazi Party became the main German political party.

7. Background to Hitler Hitler was a soldier in WWI.
Early on, he tried to lead a rebellion against the Weimar Republic, but it failed.
He went to prison where he wrote Mein Kampf, which translates to My Struggle.
In it he outlined his beliefs, which included the superiority of pure blooded German people and the inferiority of groups like the Jews, Gypsies, and Slavic people.
Ironically, Hitler was Austrian.

8. Fascism in Italy Italy also struggled with the depression.
Political struggles developed and the Fascists gain control.
They believed in fascism, which is a form of government that promotes extreme nationalism, devotion to a dictator, and one-party rule.

9. Benito Mussolini Italy’s dictator was Benito Mussolini.
He was appointed to be prime minister, and he was given the power to make any law necessary.
Mussolini wanted Italy to return to the glory of the Roman Empire and to expand Italy.

10. Militarism in Japan Japan’s economy was struggling.
Military leaders, known as militarists, promised to fix the economy and became popular.

11. Militarism in Japan
People also liked the militarists, because they supported the emperor, Hirohito, who was very popular.
The prime minister, Hideki Tojo, was very influential.
He pushed for expansion, and a colonial empire.
Japan needed more resources and living space.