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.

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

 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

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

 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.

 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.

 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)

 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

 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

 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

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