All three of these leaders influenced the world greatly and came to power after WWI when many of the world's countries were seeking more efficient and stable forms of government. These men convinced their countries that their way of ruling would bring their nation prosperity, but history proved them wrong.

Joseph Stalin was the leader of Russia. He rose to power not only after the first world war but after a civil war in his country. He was not the one who brought political power to his party, the Bolsheviks—that honor belongs to Lenin. Stalin was an expert manipulator, and despite disputes in the party, he had risen to such a position that when Lenin died, Stalin was his successor. Ultimately, he seized control over the government entirely, shutting down his political opponents and causing terror in the Soviet Union.

Benito Mussolini was the leader of Italy. He was originally a socialist but became disenchanted with his party's ideals and started the fascist party in Italy. He did something close to what we call a military coup and forced the resignation of the prime minister. Mussolini gained complete control by removing laws that restricted his power, thus becoming the supreme leader of his country.

Adolf Hitler was the leader of Germany. Germany was on the losing side of WWI. Their country had been broken and they were in need of a leader. Hitler graciously filled that role. He didn't start the political party we now know as the Nazis, but he was the reason they became so successful. There were many other political parties vying for control in Germany as well, and it wasn't until after the crash of wall street that elections took a turn in Hitler and his party's direction. Eventually Hitler seized complete political control. He enchanted the nation and many adored him. He gained complete control because once he came to power he was such a convincing leader that few wanted to see him leave.