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This activity explores the rise of totalitarian leaders and the causes of World War II. Students will analyze political cartoons, propaganda posters, and firsthand perspectives to understand how dictators like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin gained power. The resource highlights key concepts such as fascism, communism, the Holocaust, and the dangers of appeasement. It also emphasizes how fear, propaganda, and loss of individual freedoms helped lead the world into a global conflict, encouraging students to think critically about government power and human rights.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - “Rendezvous” 1939 primary source political cartoon analysis with scaffolding questions
Rise of Totalitarianism reading passage with corresponding scaffolding questions
RAFT Activity: Totalitarianism and WWII
R = Role
A = Audience
F = Format
T = Topic
RAFT Choice Board
RAFT Rubric for students
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why was the rise of totalitarian leaders like Hitler and Stalin so dangerous for the world?
Answer key for teachers (suggested)

©2025 A Social Studies Life

For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.