WWII Players and Their Games How WWII Began

FRANCE (Allies) Leader(s): Albert Lebrun, who was a weak leader. Eventually Charles de Gaulle, a military general took over during WWII. Domestic (Home) issues/concerns/goals: Since France and Germany border each other, France tried to keep Germany from taking over their land while dealing with a new government. International issues: Had control of colonies in Africa. Helped Britain when Germany invaded Poland.

Germany (Axis) Leader: Adolf Hitler, known as a Füher, who ruled by terror. His Anti-Semitic beliefs led to the Holocaust. Domestic Issues, concerns, goals: High inflation and unemployment because of Treaty of Versailles war reparations. International Issues: Wanted to regain pre-WWI power/land/economy. Invaded Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland, splitting most of Eastern Europe with Russia.

Great Britain (Allies) Leader(s): Neville Chamberlin was replaced by Winston Churchill, who was a more effective Prime Minister by building British morale and eventually winning a Noble Peace Prize Domestic Issues: In debt to the US for over $900 million from WWI loans International issues: Worldwide investments were wiped out. Tried to limit the expansion of Germany in Europe and Africa.

Italy (Axis) Leader: Benito Mussolini, dictator who also ruled by terror, lead the Fascist party. Domestic Issues: Fascists controlled a military-led government, leading to much civil unrest International Issues: Signed an agreement with France for and alliance against Hitler, then sent forces to Eritrea and Somalia to attack Ethiopia.

Japan (Axis) Leader(s): Emperor Hirohito, General Hideki Tojo, who ordered the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Wanted to create a New World Order. Domestic issues: Wanted to imitate/mimic Western culture to remain a top world power. International Issues: To achieve and maintain world power, and not fail like China, Japan needed to take over French and British colonies in the Far East.

Russia aka Soviet Union (Allies) Leader: Joseph Stalin took over after Vladimir Lenin and turned Russia into a Communist country. Domestic Issues: Turned from an agriculture-based economy to more industrial economy. International Issues: Signed a non-aggression pact with Hitler (Germany) to divide and control Eastern European counties.

United States (Allies) Leader(s) President Franklin Roosevelt was in power during most of the war (elected 4 times) although he was battling Polio. Harry Truman was president by the end of the war. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces and organized the D-Day invasion through his military leadership. Domestic Issues: Wanted to focus on economic reforms and recovery, while remaining neutral. International Issues: Supported the Allies with weapons and other war supplies.