The 1930s was a challenging time in the world.

In the West, Germany and Italy were militarizing under new dictators threatening war. The powerful democracies of Britain and France, owners of much of Africa and South Asia, wanted to avoid another war at all costs.

In the East, the Empire of Japan had invaded China and was waging a brutal war to conquer that nation.

Between them, Russia, under leadership of the Soviet communists, was promising to spread dangerous revolution around the world.

Meanwhile, the United States turned inward, isolated, planning to ignore the troubles of the world.

What will happen? Will it be war and, if so, can democracy survive? Speaking of democracy, will the colonels of Africa and Asia finally get their freedom?

This website will help you examine the situation around the world on the eve of World War II.