Hideki Tojo (Lauren Chapski)

Hideki Tojo (Lauren Chapski)

When I heard the news of Hitlers invasion of Poland, I only felt jealousy. Of course I should have expected him to undermine the nonagression act, and furthermore I should have thought to have done it myself. Poland was for the taking, and he took it, while I did nothing, like a fool. I commend him for his smart thinking and aspire to be the same in the future. At the rate he is at, Hitler will have the whole continent in no time. The only hope I have is to be an ally with him, so we can eventually take the world together. However, of course I'm not one for team work, so I will have to find a way to eliminate him as a threat. From now on, I have to watch him closely to make sure he doesn't back stab me or try to take Japan from me. Hitler may be smart, but I am smarter.

Young Austrian Woman (Amin Rajaee)

Young Austrian Woman (Amin Rajaee)

These acts done by Germany have caused me to praise Adolf Hitler as a leader. Hitler is a great leader and us women of Austria look up to him as one. His goal was to unite all German speaking nations. He did the right thing by invading Poland to expand Germany. I am more than happy for Germany as it is beginning to become a vast country united as a whole. Jewish people in my country have been frightened by the acts committed by Hitler. They believe Hitler is making his way towards them. All people following the Jewish religion realize what Hitler is doing to them and they are frightened of the actions he might take towards them. Some others are not knowledgeable enough to realize what his intentions are along with the horror following it. In my opinion, the benefits of Germany and the outcomes of Hitlers rule are supporting and raising the hopes of the German community.

Franklin D Roosevelt (Spencer)

I am disgusted by the sheer inhumanity Germany is portraying by invading Poland. How can Germany justify invading a much smaller country and harming its people. I am the president of one of the largest and most powerful nations and I can tell you for a fact that I would never do such a terrible thing to such a weak and defenseless country. Someone needs to step in and limit Hitler's power. Many Polish and German lives are being put in harms way which is simply not acceptable. He needs to be stopped as soon as possible, before anymore lives are taken. This is such a terrible matter, I do not see why there are not more countries ready to spring into action and help the defenseless Polish in a matter they have no control over.

Joseph Stalin (Grace Mahoney)

I do not agree with Germany invading Poland, because I was planning to invade them myself. The Soviet Union needs the resources that Poland has, probably more than Germany. Yes, technically we did sign the Germany-Soviet pact, but I know that this is only putting off the inevitable clash that is going to happen between Germany and the Soviet Union. I would preferred that Germany stayed out of Poland so that we could have it all to ourselves. Anyways, since we did sign the pact, we will let Germany invade them for now. But in the future, I know they aren't going to partition land fairly, and we are going to have to start fighting over it.

London Working Woman (Alec Gannon)

I was just a child when World War I began. I was young and naive; I couldn't really understand what was happening. But here I am more than twenty years later, and here is another war. I understand the horrors of it now, and what it will do to my work, my country, my family. Germany scares me. The thought of Hitler scares me. He's invaded Poland, breaking his pact with Stalin and Russia, and has started this dreadful war. I don't want my child to be raised in such a cruel world at such a cruel time. And worst of all my husband may need to fight in the war, and with my working hours raising, who will watch my child? I have faith in my country that they will end this war, but when? That is the question that everyone is asking. In my government, I have little say, and I feel as though I am mistreated. But what goes on in a country such as Germany is unfathomable, and that cannot spread to us. I can't say I'm ready for these next few years because I'm not sure what will come. But, what I am sure of this that Adolf Hitler must fall!

WWII Blog Post #2: Eleanor Roosevelt (Maria Nunez)

The democracies plan to protect Poland from Germany failed.  We knew Hitler would try to invade Poland but we could not stop him.  Their weapons were too powerful and their technology was far superior to ours.  The blitzkrieg, or "lightning war," used improved tank and air power technology to defeat us.  Hitler knew before the war that he wanted Poland enough to make a pact with his archenemy, Joseph Stalin, in order to get it.  Why did Hitler feel the need to invade Poland?  Didn't he have a large enough empire already?  Why did he need more land?  We must put an end to this world war by using diplomacy and compromises.  We must not let Hitler kill any more innocent people.  We cannot continue to agree to his demands because he will never be satisfied.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (Katie Lavan)

I am appalled by Germany's invasion into Poland. I am in charge of a powerful nation and I cannot believe Germany would use it's power to invade a much weaker country. Poland is struggling to grow and become powerful and Germany had to right to take control of the lives of those in Poland. I would never take advantage of my neighboring countries just for more land and resources. Adolph Hitler needs to keep in mind the lives he is putting at risk. He is putting innocent lives in harms way. Polish and German citizens are being injured and killed and Hitler is to blame. He needs to be stopped immediately. He cannot put the lives of the innocent in danger anymore. This invasion into Poland could be just the beginning for Hitler and we as Americans need to limit Hitler's power and control as soon as possible.

Elanor Roosevelt (B. Caskey)

When we have military exercises, whether it be a peaceful or violent takeover, human rights are ALWAYS removed from the invaded society. We see soldiers attacking innocent civilians and instilling terror into the local population. We see the destruction of the justice system with martial law being its replacement. And we see the destruction of societies themselves, families being torn apart, futures being destroyed, and generations being lost. This invasion of Poland by Germany will yield the same results as other invasions have. The league of nations MUST take action to ensure the Poland population stays safe, and the country stays as a whole. The United States, though it may not want to, must at the least send aid to those affected by this invasion, and attempt to heal any wounds that have been or will be inflicted by Germany. I am not happy with this invasion, and I urge all world leaders to think of both their citizens and the citizens of other countries before taking any sort of aggressive action.

-Elanor Roosevelt

Bennito Mussolini (K. Gammino)

Well, well, well. It's about time strong, stable government invaded the sad excuse of a land, Poland. Democracies tried to protect Poland because they knew it was the target of Hitler's next expansion. What fools! They really thought they could defend Poland from such a powerful country? What bogus! All I can say is France and Britain are very doomed if they think that they can win a World War against the almighty Hitler. The Nazi- Soviet Pact is the best thing that's happened for Germany and Russia. Together, the two countries could crush Poland, France, and Britain. Don't tell anyone I said this, but they could probably crush my very own Italy! With all of the technology improved since the beginning of World War I, countries such as the ones above should not be declaring war on such technologically advanced countries. Overall, I think Germany's invasion of Poland was an exceptional choice on Germany's behalf. But, Britain and France declaring war on Germany is a complete joke. If Germany just keeps Fascism in my through all of this, I can't see them failing. Thanks to me of course, Fascism wouldn't even be an ideology. GO ITALY!

American Woman Factory Worker (Mikayla Gempp)

The people in Poland who have recently been invaded by Hitler need help. What Hitler did to so many innocent people was uncalled for. Hitler wanted more land to take over to become more powerful in Europe. Everyone deserves freedom, they shouldn't be dictated by another country! Germany is a powerful country, Poland can't start a revolutionary war against them unlike us back almost 200 years ago against England. The ways of the Polish will be changed by Germans, they won't be able to live how they used to until these powers are gone completely from Europe. The way Hitler is taking over Europe is extreme. He shouldn't do thus, it's wrong. Let people live, don't let innocent ones die for your own power.

Dwight Eisenhower (I. Iannotti)

I come to you today with a heavy heart, I have recieved word that Hitler has invaded Poland from every direction, and with the immense strength of the German army it won't take much to take control of Poland. I am frightened for not only countries in Europe but my own, and I am angry for the victims of Hitler's terror. I will not let my fear show because I will be strong for the U.S. and try to do everything in my power to save all countries that Hitler is after. First, I believe all trade with Germany must end, we cannot be doing them any favors or helping out their war efforts in any war. I do realize that the economy is in great turmoil but the monster that is HIitler must be stopped. I also feel that if necessary military involment of the U.S. must happen. It is a crime against human rights, to do the things Hitler is doing, but it is also a crime to witness it and not do anything. I believe that we must start out slow by cutting off change, but eventually we must do whatever it takes to save the victims of Hitler's wrath, even if that means violence.

Adolf Hitler (Nick DiBiasio)

Hello there! What ever comment you have, not me nor the country of Germany wants to hear it. Yes, you should be jealous of Germany! The reason my army invaded Poland, was to unit areas into one united German country. Like I said before, Fascism will succeed under my conditions whether I kill or not. The country of Germany is dependent on me to keep our country as a power house and sometimes weak and unarmed soldiers get in my way. Germany is now much larger and more nationalistic. As the Fuhrer, I believe that my actions are succeeding in making Germany a safer and more stable place for my citizens. 

 -Auf Wiedersehen

Jewish Refugee (Margaret Rodrigue) Polish Invasion

No place is safe from the clutches of extremism and harsh dictators. I fear Adolph Hitler now more than ever for he has invaded Poland, a place which was thought to be safe. It seems as though us Jews, though we try to run from oppression, will never truly be accepted anywhere. His influence is too strong, gaining the support of millions by way of persuading language and propaganda. It will not be long before he has taken over all of Europe. No Jew, nor any type of opposition to the beliefs of Hitler, will be tolerated, and shall be pushed aside with force. The only hope I can still manage to grasp is for the future, a future in which enough sane people stand up against this ruthless tyrant until he falls.

Parisian Business Owner (S. Basler)

          I am completely appalled at the news of Germany's invasion on Poland. Thousands of innocent Poland citizens were killed or severely injured due to Germany's attack not only on their land but also to their ships and air force. To make matters worse, Germany's only "excuse" is that they need more land for their "superior race" to live on.  How can one group of citizens decide they are better than everyone else. As a child, I was taught that everyone was equal and to treat everyone with respect and this action makes me sick. Germany is nothing more than a big headed country who is really no better than any one us. Germany may feel like they are the better country now, but years from now, people will look at Germany with disgust and shake their heads wondering why they would allow such a horrible thing to happen.
           Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying everyone in Germany is a terrible person. In fact, most people are probably completely against this event just as much as I am. Yet, they are stuck under control of terrible dictators who use threats to get people to support them. And they are the ones who will suffer the most, not the ruthless leaders who care nothing more than what is best for them, not their country.

Josh Fradin Italian Peasant worker

I am feel bad for the people in Poland who had to be part of such a tragic event. Adolf Hitler is now using all of his absolute power and is killing innocent civilians. Adolf did not even invade Poland with a good reason. Adolf just wanted living space for the citizens of Germany who he feels is racially superior. He planned this invasion for a long time because he made sure the USSR would not get involved by signing a non aggression pact. I am going to say one positive thing about Hitler, he made a smart move by signing this pact. I am thankful that my country is not involved though and is not in this position Germany is in. I don’t really understand why Adolf wanted more territory because he already has a big country to lead. Hitler is now responsible for thousands of citizens lives in Poland. Germany the aggressor is on watch by all countries all over the world. I am also wondering why el duce is allied with Hitler. I feel like it is a bad mistake and is somehow is going to cost our country. Il Duce should get out of this agreement fast.

Winston Churchill (A.Buckley)

Winston Churchill (A. Buckley)

This is utter madness. I had a feeling this day would come. Germany continues to disobey the things we other countries are saying and they have gone almost too far this time. Hitler has invaded Poland, so to what point will he stop? It could be Britain next. I must warn my people of what is happening. They must not be blind to Hitler anymore, they must see what is truly taking place and lengths Germany will go to have what Hitler wants. I believe we have virtually come to a time where we must join together and diminish Hitler. I fear it is time that I ask for the aid of the United States. Germany is already taking over Czechoslovakia and now they have invaded Poland. Without the help of the United States this could become more out of hand than it has already become. I had a feeling Hitler would do this, but i prayed i would be wrong. Now that Hitler has invaded Poland, Britain must take some measures to protect our own country from becoming part of Hitlers.

Francisco Franco (Emily Abbott)

Hearing about the Nazi forces storming into Poland got me thinking. Hearing these vast powers and extreme armies, I was a little jealous. I'm not the jealous type but the amount of power Hitler had and the brutality he forced on others was amazing. I mean if storming and killing a few people along the way to get into Poland was his way to go, then I say go for it! In my experiences violence is always the answer and seems to be most effective. Anyway, on September 1, 1939 when the Nazi forces did storm into Poland they did not hold back, they used their new and improved tanks and amazing airport technology to their advantage. I don't blame them, they had it might as well use it. Seeing the effect Stalin had on Polad was outstanding, within a month had all of Poland. Of course Britain and France stepped in to see if they could help and all they could do was declare on Germany. My guess is that they wanted to distract them a little and pull them away from Poland as much as they could.

Joseph Stalin (J. Horgan)

I back Hitler up one hundred percent in attacking Poland. The thing is, I am not his friend. Nor do I ever plan to be. As a leader I saw this move necessary because I fear that he will bring fascism into Russia. There is no need to start a war with Germany at this point in time so of course, I agreed to the Nazi-Soviet Pact. And now that Poland is being invaded? Well... I get some of the land and I don't need to send men out there. That's a double win for Russia.

Charles de Gaulle (Kristin Carosotto)

Every action that Adolf Hitler takes is a direct violation of the treaty of Versailles, therefore making the invasion of Poland unauthorized in time of war. First, Nazi Germany remilitarized their forces with greater force then is needed to only protect their land, which was agreed to in the treaty of Versailles after World War 1 which Germany did in fact sign. Also, in January of 1934 there was nonaggression pact signed between Germany and Poland so Hitler could eliminate poland as a threat to his growing realm. Then Germany dismembered the Czechoslovak state in March 1939 again in violation of the Munich agreement.  To dilute their now sense of world domination my country of France alongside Britain guaranteed the integrity of the polish state. Hitler then counter balanced this and signed a nonaggression pact between his country and the Soviet Union in the summer of 1939. This pact stated that Poland was to be partitioned between the two powers. This pact also enabled Germany to attack Poland without the fear of Soviet intervention. The audacity that Nazi Germany has to violate the treaty of Versailles, the Munich agreement, and a pact signed between themselves and Poland is atrocious. Germany feels as if they now hold the keys to the kingdom of the world, but my people and I, including many other mighty countries will not allow these crimes against law, and humanity to go on unchecked.

Benito Mussolini (J. Bernard-Sasges)

Finally! Hitler and the Germans have invaded the sad land of Poland. They have been struggling with poor, unstable leadership and the lack of a sturdy economy. Hitler was right in remilitarizing his nation after the truly unjust actions made by the Treaty of Versailles. What is a country without its military? Nothing, and it is no justification to make Germany any less of a country simply for losing the Great War. However, do not even let me begin on the sanctions put forth by the League of Nations. What a pompous act by the league of Nations! They believe they have the right, let alone the power to try and stop great nations like Italy and Germany? Ha! They will soon see with the ineffectiveness of their sanctions that weak and unstable nations like Poland must and will be invaded by their superior counterpart, in Italy and Germany.

George Marshall (Milan Toljan), #2

Firstly, Hitler's remilitarization of Germany was in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. The German people viewed Hitler as a hero for creating jobs during this time of reconstruction, but his real intentions were not transparent. Secondly, Germany's invasion of Poland in September of 1939 was an unprovoked act of war. This in my opinion was Germany's invitation for war. Though, once again Hitler's intentions for invading Poland were not transparent. After the failure of the sanctions passed by the League of Nations I believe the only solution is a forceful military retaliation. This operation would be conducted in the sole defense of the sovereign nation of Poland. I am also concerned of curtain unconfirmed reports of German soldiers disguises as Poles: leading attacks on German border towns. If these reports are in fact true it will confirm my suspicions about Hitler's skewed intentions in eastern Europe.

WWII Blog Post #2 5/6/14

React to Germany's invasion of Poland on 9/1/39.

Eleanor Roosevelt (B. Caskey)

Let me ask you something. When one person is in control of nearly every decision a country makes, is that better for the country? If you ask me I will tell you no. When one man (or woman) is in charge of every decision a country makes without opposition or friction from any other party in the country, mistakes will be made. Without opposition or competition, the party in charge has the freedom to do anything he/she wishes because there is no risk of them loosing their leadership position. This extremism seen in Western Europe and Russia is leading to one man being in charge. The extremism growing is not good for the future of our planet. It is not safe for those in Europe and for ourselves, the United States. This extremism can lead to the violation of human rights and the justice of criminal activity. We must deal with this rise in extremism with an effort to end it with propaganda and non-violent means. Violence will only make the spread of extremism to be even more rapid. This extremism must come to an end or we will begin to see the violation of human rights.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (Katie Lavan)

I am astonished by the rapid growth in extremism in Western Europe and Russia. My wife Eleanor and I are perplexed as to why such a negative idea has spread so quickly. Adolph Hitler is to blame for this growth. His dictatorial ways pushed for extreme pride in one's country and prejudice against certain religions. He believes Jews are a group that are lesser than others. Jews are a completely different race in Hitler's eyes. Hitler believes the world needs to get rid of the Jews and will stop at nothing to show his force. Hitler's dictatorial presence is to blame for this rapid growth of extremism. As President of the United States, I believe I have two options. To either remain neutral or to become heavily involved. I believe the United States should get involved in this tragic event and try to minimize Hitler's role in Germany. The lives of thousands are at risk and I believe the United States can help save those innocent lives.

WWII Post #1: Eleanor Roosevelt (Maria Nunez)

My husband, Franklin, and I are both astounded by the rapid growth of extremism in much of Western Europe and Russia.  This rapid growth of extremism is occurring because Adolf Hitler strongly believes in extreme nationalism, or extreme pride in one's country.  He also believes in racism and thinks that Arians are far superior to Jews.  He believes that Jews are a separate and inferior race altogether.  This is referred to as anti-semitism, or prejudice against the Jewish people.  I stand behind my husband and fully support him.  I will advocate on behalf of European refugees who want to come to the United States.  In addition, I will promote issues that are important to American troops, work to boost soldier's morale, encourage volunteerism on the home front, and champion women employed in the defense industry.  I will also push for the continuation of the New Deal programs during the war.  I think that these are important issues so I will devote all of my time to these political and social causes.

Young Austrian Woman (Amin Rajaee)

Extremism is known as the support of ideas that are far from what the majority of people would consider reasonable. In recent years, us women have been losing our ability to take advantage of career and educational opportunities. We were discouraged in reaching for higher education. Somehow, women were still seen as key contributors in Nazi social policy. Extremism has been growing and it's becoming quite frightening for not only women but many others also. Adolf Hitler was the ignition to this wildfire devastating much of Western Europe and Russia. Antisemitism was a belief that Hitler followed and it was not needed in these countries that have already been disrupted by him. Austria must protect itself from more disastrous nightmares crossing its borders. Extremism must be diminished in other countries so it does not spread and create more possible world wide issues.

Frankelin D Roseavelt(Spence)

Frank here, 

I am honestly bewildered by the vast growth of extremism in Western Europe and parts of Russia. This awful trend has been started by the one and only, Adolf Hitler. This man seeks power and will do just about anything to do reach his goals. He rules over his people and drills such nationalism into them that they believe that the words he speak are undoubtably true. Being the President of the United States, I must ponder my actions. I have taken time to deliberate the correct move for our country, and although I will never be certain which is the correct path for our beloved country, I believe that we should avoid entering this conflict. To keep our country politically stable and just, we must steer clear of the trend sweeping through Europe. 

Charles de Gaulle (Kristin Carosotto P5)

Actions depend on the circumstances. It is moral for leaders of a country to become extremists but only to a certain extent and when this extremism is for the greater good. Now, when it comes to the argument of extremism in Germany I disagree with the crimes that are being committed. This extremism in not for the greater good. I myself believe in three major tenets: A powerful executive, heavy involvement of the state in the economy, and complete independence in foreign policy. Although this may seem extreme to some I only enforce these three beliefs because it is for the good of the country of France and the people. Hitler, or other powerful leaders in Germany may argue that their actions are for the benefit of the country and their people yet they are to condemn a whole race. Extremism can help greatly depending on the actions that are wanted to be carried out, and the results of these actions. Extremism that benefits the state and the people is worth the control. Extremism that is dictatorial and does not benefit the majority is not civil nor just.

Dwight Eisenhower (I. Iannotti)

Hello, my name is Dwight Eisenhower and as patriotic American man as well as experienced World War Veteran I am disgusted by the rise of extremism in much of Western Europe and Russia. Not only am I surprised by the complete lack of human rights given to these citizens, but I am baffled by the people's tolerance of such scarce freedoms. I do thoroughly believe that stability is necessary in a country, and that especially German citizens are craving this after the complete collapse of the German economy after World War I. However it is wrong for these people to sacrifice so much for a stable country through a fascist dictator. Although the citizens are welcoming this totalitarian government, they are completely unaware of the chaos and violence it will bring. These people are being set up to be prisoners of their own country! Something must be done about this, and as an American and more importantly, a human, I find it the duty of the U.S.A. to aid these countries for many reasons. From the days of our founding fathers we have put a large value on human rights and we are one of the most powerful countries in the world, making America the perfect nation to save the citizens of these countries before complete violence erupts in Western Europe. The propaganda and nationalistic ideas of Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini are very appealing to the public making it highly unlikely that the citizens with stand up against the dictatorship on their own. War will ultimately become necessary, although it is dreaded and no one enjoys it, violence will quickly become our last resort to stop these fascist dictators before they reach a level of power that cannot be defeated.

London Working Woman (Alec Gannon)

London Working Woman (Alec Gannon)

 In a time that there was little to be proud about, I was proud of the fact that over three million of us underprivileged workers had decided to go on strike. In a depression of such poor conditions, the Conservatives showed no care for us workers. Thus, neglected and mistreated, I joined a strike along with millions to fight for the prevention of wage reduction.
Now, 7 years later, and my wages still low, there remains few things to be proud about in London, much less Europe. This is particularly due to the growing concept of extremism. In places such as Germany and Russia, extremism has been a great influence on people. And that scares me. I am scared by the fact that one individual can have so much power, and therefore a nation can allow for so many awful things. If these rulers continue these immoral actions that violate natural rights, they must be stopped. It started because as the Depression dragged on, the people of Europe lost hope. Germans and Russians were miserable and desperate and thus a leader with radical solutions to these problems appeared to them as the best leader for their country. But I see no hope in a man such as Adolf Hitler. I see hope in a nation which gives their people a voice. And although my voice may be difficult to hear, extremist rulers would not even allow a working woman like me to speak.

Winston Churchill (A. Buckley)

Circumstance is everything. As a leader of an army and a man with a military past, I know first hand what is going on with my fellow people of Britain, however some extremist do not. Extremism is naturally growing in Western Europe and unforunetly in Russia too, beacuse after the devestations that some countries faced with World War One, nations dont know where to turn or who to lead them. That is when the real extremist step in. The ones who do not truly know what their country needs, ones who only seek power, those are the ones who need to be stopped. Some extremist such as the ones who know what their country truly is in need of and act out of honor, those are the ones that I have no problem with and can also relate with. You see, this vast growth of extremism does not have to be a negative thing, it is the power hungry ones who have to be stopped and have to be tamed.

Aldolf Hitler (Nick DiBiasio)

Guten Tag! Let me first get started by telling you that I am indeed a pleasure to be called the fuhrer in this wonderful and delighted place they call Germany.  Mine and others goals are to make this a better place by adopting extremism.  Many people see the growing extremism as controversial but Europe and Russia need to leave their old ways and accept the new and better extremism. All my life I was faced with challenges, especially as fighting in World War II, but now I accept the way of extremism. Although at first extremism may come off as dictorial and harsh, we now will achieve progression through Europe and Russia. If we don't progress Germany, the rest of Europe and especially Russia we would still be fighting debt, bad leadership, and a divided nation. With growing extremism, countries will be able to reach their full potential. To end things on a positive note, realize that extremism is the end of depression throughout your country and only good things will come.

Parisian Business Owner (S. Basler)

            Lately it seems that life has been everything but easy.  No matter how much I work, I can never seem to  obtain the income I need to help my family survive. It is difficult supporting a family of four on my own. When my husband was killed during World War I, I was heartbroken, yet I knew that if I wanted to help my family, I would need to create my own business. I couldn't take over his job in carpentry, but I knew that with time I could open up my own dress shop. And so, the work began. Every day, I wake up before dawn, sewing dressing, ironing and cleaning clothes, and cleaning the shop. Yet, ever since the Great Depression struck America, business has not successful. As the value of money decreases, goods have less and less value. On top of that, many of my customers can no longer afford the dresses that I sell, giving my family little money to live off of.
             One day during work, I overheard a group of women talking about the rise of extremism throughout the world, and to be honest, it scares me. How can one group of so called "powerful" human beings take over and change the lives of everyone around them. These leaders are taking control of everything and forcing people to follow in their footsteps; and if they do not follow, punishments are insisted upon them. I fear for my family. If my business gets taken over, or my money is forced to go to the government, my family will be left without food or a place to stay. If you ask me, I think that we need to stand up against these unjust rulers and do something to stop them. However, I am only a meek women, and know little about starting riots and rebellions. I can only hope that things will not get to far out of hand.

American Women Factory Worker (Mikayla Gempp)

Hello, I am a factory women worker in America. I have recently been hearing about the overtake of Adolf Hitler in Europe where there is now a growth in extremism. What Hitler is doing over in Germany as well as the Soviet Union in Russia have seem to be causing bad life styles in everyone who is living over there. The way people are being taught by Hitler and Stalin are making Europe and Russia weaker places. They are using terror to get the ruling they want. Women are losing their freedom and are becoming unequal with men. Their lives are now already set out for them by Hitler and Stalin. Also, many innocent people are outcasted as well as executed. In Germany, Jews are considered outcasts and evil. In Russia, anyone seem as a threat to Stalin was executed. People should be given freedom and shouldn't be controlled with everything they do. Also, the use of propaganda to persuade citizens in Europe and Russia. These ways are wrong, we should stop these leaders need to be stopped before they gain enough power to completely control Europe and Russia.  A possible war could break out again and it may be worst that the World War 20 years ago. Here in America, we can't go over and simply execute this power leaders, but I think that we should stop them before something happens to us.

Joseph Stalin (Grace Mahoney)

Hello, my name is Joseph Stalin. I was born on December 18, 1878. I came into power in the Soviet Union on April 3, 1922. I am a leader of the communist party, and I firmly believe in everything I stand for. I think that the rise of growing extremism is a great thing. In order for the communist party to become more accepted, we need the people already a part of it to feel strongly about it. We need them to become even more extreme in their views, so that they can spread the word. A lot of people believe that communism won't work, or that it is taking away people's freedoms-- that couldn't be further from the truth. We need more extremists to let people know that communism will make our country better than it ever has been. The reason extremism is growing right now is because World War I has just ended, and people are looking for solutions to a lot of the problems that it caused. Communism is the answer to those problems! If I were to do anything about growing extremism, the only thing I would do would be try and make more people extremist, and try to get rid of anyone who doesn't agree with communism. In fact, I think that's what I'll do...

Benito Mussolini (J. Bernard-Sasges)

Finally! Western Europe and Russia have finally made the good decision of abandoning the old conservative ways of government and have adopted extremism! I'm sorry, let me introduce myself. My name is Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini. I am an Italian-born man, now "Il Duce" or the leader, of the National Fascist Party. I am currently Prime Minister of this nation of endless potential, Italy, and have been since 1922. Europe has, for so many years, been digging themselves further and further into a hole of unstable governments and weak economies and armies. Now with the bright future of the extremist movement in Western Europe, we will finally give the people of Italy, Europe, and the world what they deserve: Progress! It is time we unleash the true potential of this wonderful nation, and the only way to do so is by pledging absolute allegiance to Italy! Lavorare e Combattere per la Patria, per la vittoria!

Mussolini (K. Gammino)

Ciao, I'm Benito Mussolini! You'd probably recognize me if you saw the Italian flag waving behind me or a group called the Back Shirts by my side. My people call me Il Dulce, so if you want, call me Il Duce. Anyways, I guess we are here to talk about extremism among Russia and the rest of Europe. Personally, I think extremism is a great idea. For you pests that do not know what extremism is, it is the ideology of doing/ thinking what wouldn't be accepted. As a leader, I believe in extremism. The group that I formed, the Black Shirts, focuses on violent action. We use terror and intimidation to run the nation how we please. So what? We are running a nation over here! We are strong, and it is working for us! The spread of extremism will do nothing but justice for your country. Just take a look at Italy. From a ruler to a ruler, I assure you it is the way to go. Extremism is happening in this very moment because it is needed to run a successful nation! If there is one thing that needs to be done about extremism, it should be expanded!

Josh Fradin Italian Peasant Women

Right now it is not safe being an old Italian peasant during this rise of Extremism. I am not able to make a honest living because I am not even making minimum wage. I am loosing my rights that ordinary peasants used to have and we are disappointed we don’t have them anymore. What Hitler is doing in Germany is far too extreme and unreasonable. His anti-semitic belief is not needed and the Jews are suffering because of it. I am starting to get worried that something like Hitler’s rule in Germany will happen in Italy which would put me in misery. I would have to agree with a ruler who is unfair and unjust and if I don’t people would think less of me. When Mussolini ruled in Italy, people in Italy were scared because he used terror and other acts to make people like and agree with him. Mussolini during his reign controlled the economy and felt that the need of the individual is below the need of the state. I feel like Hitler has taken Mussolini to a greater extent. For example Hitler order bombings on citizens in a city in Spain to practice bombing from the sky. Hopefully this rise of Extremism has a downfall soon.

Jewish Refugee (Margaret Rodrigue)

Out of all those who seek religious salvation, it is us Jews that face the harshest battles. I fear this growing extremism in western Europe and Russia with every ounce of my being. I fear Hitler, I fear his domination of my homeland. I fear his ideals and his willingness to clear the world of our presence as Jews. It is unheard of, wiping out an entire race for the sake of preference. I blame the weakness of the Weimar Republic in addition to the atrocities of the Great Depression. The government was paralyzed. Fearing a communist takeover, the government was and forced to allow Hitler to carry out his unification of Germany. With this unification, also comes his belief in anti-Semitism, pushing me here, away from my Germany. I can only imagine what will soon happen if this extremism persists. I wish there could be something done about this, but in my mind there is little hope for change. He is too smart, and too driven. The only answer would be to gather enough people who believe so strongly in change and the voice of the common man to take down this figure of oppression, Adolph Hitler, but even then it seems next to impossible.

Francisco Franco (Emily Abbott)

My name is Francisco Franco and I am from Spain. Since December 4th, 1892 I have been a dictator of Spain and do not plan on backing down anytime soon. I come form a military background and as of right now I am the youngest general in all of Europe. When I heard that the government was switching from a monarchy to a democratic republic, I could not believe it. I was frustrated and didn't know what to do at first but I knew I didn't like it. This is one of the causes of the rise in extremism in Eastern Europe and Russia, I think. As a result of this it is causing tension between other countries. First thing I can think of that needs to be done is to go back to a monarchy or even a dictatorship.  If war comes of this then so be it, I have my allies and I am not afraid to use them that is for sure. This rise of extremism though, has to stop and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

George Marshall (Milan Toljan)

My name is George Marshall Jr. I held the position of General of the Army, Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense (exclusively) from 1939-1951. I commanded troops in both World War I and World War II, along with several other conflicts. The rising extremism in Western Europe is causing international tension. This tension is opening the world back up for another global conflict. All that is necessary is a spark to ignite the hostilities. In my opinion this growing extremism is the cause of an international economic deficit. This along with some countries remaining quest for vengeance all surmount to the requirements for total war. I believe the only way to defuse this situation is to stabilize the international economy once again. By transitioning all governments to a diplomatic base, and allowing for a free economy/market we can achieve this stable economy. Though with the extremist and communist views this much needed stabilization is impossible.        

WWII Post #1 4/28/14

Comment on the rise of growing extremism in much of Western Europe and Russia.  In your view, why is it happening and what, if anything, should be done about it?

(Please remember to post the perspective of which you are commenting on with your name in parenthesis.)  ex. Josef Stalin(T. Garno)