What were the factors that led to the rise of the militaristic dictatorships in Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan, so soon after WWI, 'the war to end all wars'?

The Blitzkrieg allowed Germany to overrun Poland and France within weeks. How did this radical military tactic catch the Allies totally unprepared?

How close did Britain come to defeat by the Nazis? How did the RAF, code breakers and spies combined to hold the German war machine at bay?

Was Hitler's invasion of Russia the greatest military gamble of all time? A swift attack would ensure victory - Germany had only to avoid a prolonged conflict.

The attack on Pearl Harbour brought the 'sleeping giant', America, into the war, and saw the emergence of the aircraft carrier as the pre-eminent weapon of the seas.

Mussolini wanted to recreate the Roman Empire, but proved to be a poor military strategist. His incompetence contributed to Hitler's defeat.