The Soviet Union in WWII **Russia is combined with several lands to create the Soviet Union which was communist in government and economy. -Joseph Stalin is the leader -absolute dictator -had opponents killed or sent to the “Gulag” or work camps which were located in cold, harsh environments. *Communism- -economic and political philosophy advocating collective ownership of property and the means of production. Government controls all business, as well as business decisions.

**Stalin took advantage of Russian peasants through his policy of Collectivization. Collectivization- -the total government control of all economic activity especially what was produced and how. -investment in heavy industry -grain taken from farmers for government use -millions died of starvation

Stalin’s Political Purges *Stalin often staged “political purges” to remove opposition to the Communist party. -enabled Stalin to strengthen his dictatorship. -murdered over a million of his own people. -others sent to work camps -instilled fear in the people -secret police -most were innocent -clergy, party leaders, peasants, or anyone could be a victim. **Purges would continue in some form until Stalin’s death in 1953.

Governments Axis Powers Germany – Adolf Hitler – Totalitarian Dictator Fascist Italy - Benito Mussolini – Totalitarian Dictator Fascist Japan –Hideki Tojo -Totalitarian Dictator - Militaristic Soviet Union – Joseph Stalin – Totalitarian Dictator - Communist

Japan Builds an Empire Japan was another nation that was on the winning side of World War I. -Continued policy of militarization and expansion -Hideki Tojo becomes military dictator -Emperor Hirohito took Tojo’s advice and approved an alliance with Germany and Italy.