Why does Hitler get focused on more by historians than Mussolini and Stalin?

Answer 1

Hitler gets the nod because he started the most horrific and tragic war in history. He also tried to kill a race. Mussolini was his stooge, but he did not carry out a scorched earth policy like Hitler, nor did his troops show barbarity as Hitler's did. Hitler indoctrinated his troops with a hatred for the Jews and Slavs. His war was one of extermination not just of conquering. It was the first time a war was started with the intent to destroy an entire people. Mussolini is looked at more as a stooge. Stalin on the other hand was an ally, although a reluctant one, as he did not begin his war against Germany until he was attacked in June of 1941. Had Stalin wound up fighting with Hitler against the West he would have been seen in a much more critical light. As it is, Stalin is recognized as one of the worst human beings of all time. His liquidation of his Marshalls, Generals, Colonels and others led to horrific defeats by Russia in the first few months of the war. His show-trials of the 30's where millions were systematically illiminated to consolidate his power is now looked on as some of the worst crimes in history.