- Adolf Hitler led the Nazi Party and Germany from 1933 to 1945.
- Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II.
- The Nazis implemented a policy of extermination of Jews and other minorities.
Italy:
- Benito Mussolini was the leader of the National Fascist Party of Italy from 1922 to 1943.
- Italy formed an alliance with Germany and Japan in the Axis Powers.
Japan:
- Emperor Hirohito was the head of state of Japan during World War II.
- Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, leading the United States to enter the war.