Historical Figures

World War II and Beyond

Josef Stalin

• Russian leader who took over after death of Lenin. Ruled Russia as a totalitarian dictator through and after World War II.

Benito Mussolini

• Fascist leader of Italy who rose to power by exploiting (using) anger over Italy’s treatment following WWI.

Adolph Hitler

• Fascist leader of the Nazi party and Germany before and during World War II.

Emperor Hirohito

• Emperor of Japan during World War II.

Winston Churchill

• Prime Minister (leader) of England during World War II.

Franklin Roosevelt

• President of the United States during World War II.

Harry Truman

• Vice president during the end of World War II who became president when FDR died in office.

• The only president to ever authorize use of atomic weapons (U.S. dropped bomb on Japan)