PRESENTATION OUTLINE
These men were dictators.
A dictator is a ruler that has absolute power and rules with little or no regard to his/her people.
Dictators are usually charismatic, creative, relentless, apathetic, manipulative, narcissistic, and good liars.
Why would people allow themselves to be ruled by someone like that?
When a dictator comes to power it is usually because his/her country is in political turmoil, though sometimes dictators inherit the position.
In Hitler's case, it was political turmoil.
After the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was a mess. There was high unemployment, a weak government, and low German morale.
Hitler was charismatic and creative, he promised a better Germany and provided a scapegoat for the Germans. He was also a great public speaker.
Mussolini also came to power during a time of political turmoil.
The Italian government was corrupt, and Italy was divided.
Mussolini, a powerful speaker, united Italy (mostly) under Fascism and played the corrupt government.
Mussolini was very manipulative. He strictly censored the press and brain washed the public with Fascism and strong nationalism.
Stalin's situation was a bit of a mix of both scenarios.
Stalin came to power after the death of Lenin, the first dictator of the U.S.S.R. Lenin's death caused political uncertainty.
There was conflict over who would next lead the U.S.S.R., but Stalin won because of his manipulation of the corrupt government and the public's opinion.
Stalin was apathetic and relentless. He killed his people, his generals, and his friends to protect himself and/or increase his power.
Hirohito was pretty much born into the position of Dictator.
When he came to power, Japan was insecure about its position in the world and had a poor economy.
Hirohito preached extreme nationalism and militarism. He gave the country some stability as he amassed more power. He made the people believe that he could make Japan a world power.
Hirohito manipulated Japan and made Japan believe that it would be stronger if he had complete power and the country had strong militarism.
