In the darkest hours of World War II, people were looking for encouragement, guidance, and even acceptance to keep going. Many people discovered who they could trust and who they could follow. These difficult times gave rise to serious actions and difficult decisions. In those dark days, two leaders stood out among all men. These two leaders were Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. As a result of their actions, Stalin and Hitler became two of the most feared totalitarian dictators of all time. In 1889, baby Adolf Hitler was born. As a child, Hitler was fascinated by his mother. Often he sought advice and protection from her. She protected him from his abusive father. Hitler despised his father and was horrified by him. His father would come home and beat little Hitler, leaving him with bruises and marks. Over the years, Hitler referred to Germany as his mother, for whom he developed a more than normal love. On the other hand, he considered Austria his father, whom he despised. Hitler's negative views of other races and religions began in his late teens. He was influenced by political tensions and realized that only the strongest leaders could save society from confusion and disaster. During the First World War, Hitler was on the front lines. During one of the battles, he suffered a gas attack that blinded him and hospitalized him for weeks. When he recovered, he was told that Germany had lost the war. Due to this, he was emotionally destroyed and decided to enter politics. He firmly believed that Germany lost the war because of the Jews and communism. Adolf's hatred for Jews and communists was so strong that he equated them with a single word: "Jewish communism." For him, there was no difference between them... middle of paper... myself" (Stalin, Joseph). How could a man of great power be so influential, then turn around and not even have confidence in himself? Many people will never understand, but some might believe it was because of Hitler's betrayal Even though Stalin made great human sacrifices during the Second. World War, the people of the Soviet Union have always followed and respected him as an authority figure (Stalin, Joseph). see the light. During these dark times, much violence was unleashed on the world, but light and peace always prevailed. Without these two leaders, history would have been completely different. vastly different political views, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin will each forever be known as two of the most feared totalitarian leaders in history..