---
title: Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19550/totalitarian-regimes-in-europe-in-1939/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2024-10-15
---

# Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19550.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19550.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the geopolitical situation in [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) in the lead-up to the Second World [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) (1939-45) as authoritarianism and totalitarianism were on the rise across the continent, fueled by political instability, economic crises, and the dissatisfaction many nations felt after the redrawing of borders after the First World War (1914-18).

This environment led to the growth of centralized, often dictatorial regimes. Despite this trend, the division between the Axis and Allies (the opposing blocks during WWII) did not align strictly with ideological differences. While a fascist regime led Axis Germany and [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), this group also included authoritarian states like Hungary and Romania. The Allies, on the other hand, included democracies like the United Kingdom and France, but also Poland, which was under the authoritarian Sanation regime, and later the Soviet Union, a totalitarian state that joined the Allies in 1941.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, October 10). Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19550/totalitarian-regimes-in-europe-in-1939/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 10, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19550/totalitarian-regimes-in-europe-in-1939/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Totalitarian Regimes in Europe in 1939." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Oct 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19550/totalitarian-regimes-in-europe-in-1939/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 10 October 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.