To understand how Japan came to attack Australia in 1942, it is necessary first to trace the paths taken by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan to World War II, and the manner in which they became partners with Fascist Italy in an alliance for world domination by military aggression. As in the case of Japan, an examination of Nazi Germany's history prior to World War II reveals a disturbing picture of ingrained militarism, authoritarian rule, and a citizenry conditioned to obedience to authority.