While Benito Mussolini's rise to power was linked to a chaotic struggle for political power that took place in Italy in the aftermath of World War I, Adolf Hitler took advantage of the disastrous economic situation in Germany. In both cases, nationalist rhetoric was critical to gaining popular support.
In the aftermath of World War I, Japan's ambitions to become a global power led to establishing a unique totalitarian political system that combined ancient Japanese traditions with elements of European fascism and resulted in aggressive territorial expansion.
In September 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact, agreeing to provide military and economic support to each other.
The outbreak of World War II and increasing threats from Nazi Germany and Japan changed the U.S. long-standing stand of isolationism and non-interventionism.