2. JapanItalyGermanySoviet Union Emperor Hirohito Prime Minister Tojo Benito MussoliniAdolph HitlerJoseph Stalin MilitarismFascismNazismCommunism During the 1920s and 1930s totalitarian dictators came to power in many nations.

3.  As the dictators began to take over other countries, the United States tried to remain neutral.

4.  Japan invaded and took over Manchuria in China United States issued the “Stimson Doctrine” – refused to recognize territories acquired by force Put an embargo on exports of oil and steel to Japan

5.  Italy invaded and took over Ethiopia United States ignored the invasion

6.  Germany put troops in the Rhineland (violating the Treaty of Versailles) United States ignored the violation and began to pass the “Neutrality Acts” to keep out of any future war.

7.  Germany annexed Austria Most of Austria’s people favored unification France and Britain adopted policy of Appeasement, which is giving up principle to pacify an aggressor.

8.  Germany and the Soviet Union sign a pact promising not to attack each other. (Non-Aggression Pact) United States announced neutrality  Germany and the Soviet Union both invade Poland, World War II Begins. Germany introduces “blitzkrieg” (lightning war)

9.  Germany takes over France and Most of Europe United States gave Britain war supplies and old naval warships in return for military bases in Bermuda and the Caribbean  Germany bombards Great Britain (the Battle of Britain) Battle of Britain: nightly bombings of London, many civilians killed

10.  Germany, Italy and Japan signed a treaty of alliance United States “loans” war materials to Great Britain under the Lend-Lease Act  Germany invades the Soviet Union US extends Lend- Lease to Soviets

11.  December 7 th, 1941, Japan launches a surprise attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii Roosevelt called it “a day that will live in infamy” US declares war on Japan

12.  Germany and Italy declare war on the United States The United States joins World War II