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This article explores how the Great Depression led to the rise of fascist political movements in Europe, focusing on Italy under Mussolini and Germany under Hitler. It highlights the key ideas and tactics of fascism and the impact on these countries and neighboring nations.
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Setting the Stage… • As a result of the Great Depression, millions of people lost faith in democratic government. • In many countries, frightened and desperate people turned to extremist political groups. • Millions of people turned to strong rulers to solve their economic problems.
Many turned toFascism • New Political Movement • Fascism—new political movement • Emphasized loyalty to the state and obedience to its leader. • Promised to revive the economy, punish those responsible for hard times and restore national pride. • No real plans • Fascists acted first and devised theories later.
Fascist Ideas • Believed in….. • Extreme form of nationalism • Nations must struggle. • Peaceful states are doomed to be conquered. • Looked to an Authoritarian leader – complete obedience to the leader. • To guide state and rally the people • Loyalty to leader and state. • Opposed to individual freedom • In each nation, Fascists wore uniforms of a certain color, used special salutes and held mass rallies.
Fascism in Italy • Began in Italy in the early1920’s. • Fascism Entered Italy • Italians unhappy with treaties of W.W.I • Wanted more territorial gain. • Economic problems • Led to mistrust of democratic government • Growing numbers of people wanted a strong leader to step up.
Rise of Mussolini • Italians want a leader would take action • As a Fascist Party leader, he promised to rescue Italy • Mussolini and his supporters marched on Rome. • After widespread violence and threatening the Italian king puts Mussolini in charge of government.
Benito Mussolini rose to power • Nickname – IL Duce, or leader. • Promised to revive the economy and armed forces of Italy. • Abolished democracy and outlawed allpolitical parties except the Fascists. • Secret police jailed his opponents. • Government censors- forced radio stations and publications to broadcast or publish only Fascist doctrines.
Rise of Hitler • When Mussolini became dictator of Italy in the mid-1920s, Adolf Hitler was a little-known political leader. • Born in Austria, dropped out of high school and failed as an artist. • Fought in W.W.I – decorated war veteran. • At the end of W.W.I Hitler settled in Munich. • In 1919, he joined a tiny right wing political group. • This group shared his belief that Germany had to overturn the Treaty of Versailles. • The group later named itself the National Socialist German Worker’s Party, called Nazi for short.
Hitler Rises to Power • A New Power • Adolf Hitler—obscure political figure in 1920s Germany. • The Rise of the Nazis • Nazism—German brand of fascism • Adopted the swastika, or hooked cross, as its symbol. • Hitlerbecomes the Nazi leader and plots to seize national power.
Hitler, inspired by Mussolini’s march on Rome plotted to seize power in Munich in 1923 – Failed and he was arrested and tried for treason. Sentenced him to 5 years in prison. • Mein Kampf (My struggle)—Hitler’s book detailing beliefs and goals for Germany. • It became the blue print or plan of action for the Nazis.
Adolf Hitler • Hitlerwas named leaderof the German government but soon took the powers of a dictator. • Beliefs: • Germans were superiorto all other people. • Anti-Semitism (Hatred of Jews) becomes a key part of the Nazi ideology. • Treaty of Versailles --treated Germany unfairly.
Hitler’s Plans • Hitler’s Economic program • Gave work to millions • Constructed factories, built highways, manufactured weapons and served in the military. • Took away their rights to organize unions or strike. • Hitler’s power intensifies: • Hitler wanted more than just economic and political power. • Turns Germany into totalitarian state • Burned books that went against Nazi ideas • Forced children to join Nazi groups (Hitler Youth) • Uses propaganda to rally support
Outside of Italy and Germany • While Fascists took power in Italy and Germany, the nations in Eastern Europe after W.W.I also were falling to dictators. • Dictators took control • Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania. • Only Czechoslovakia remained as a democracy in Eastern Europe. • Only nations with strong democratic traditions, like Britain and France, did democracy survive. • With no democratic experience and severe economic problems, many Europeans saw dictatorship as the only way to prevent instability.
