The Rise of Fascism

After WWI Time of drastic political, cultural, and social change 4 Empires had collapsed Europe no longer dominant economic force War debt – no one can pay Trade routes, transportation lines, means of production destroyed Problems with treaties and trade – Treaty of Versailles Borders were redrawn creating new countries How do you think common citizens are feeling? What are they worried about? What do they need?

Characteristics of Fascism Totalitarian philosophy of government that glorifies the state and nation and assigns to the state control over every aspect of national life Disdain for the recognition of Human Rights Militarism Rampant Sexism Control of Mass Media Religion and Government Intertwined Corporate Power is Protected Labor Power is Suppressed

Continued… Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts Obsession with Crime and Punishment Rampant Cronyism and Corruption Fraudulent Elections

Totalitarianism a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state. One man, one rule. Authoritarian regime.

Nationalism Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, propaganda and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

Cult of Personality A cult of personality arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise. Someone everyone can look up to

Xenophobia Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries. The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial , ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

PROPAGANDA What is Fascism without propaganda? Propaganda helps to cultivate nationalism Propaganda promotes a cult of personality Propaganda nurtures xenophobia Mussolini's regime depended heavily on its propaganda machine. Fascist Italy has been described as "a show and a sham" meaning that the regime was reliant on lying to the public as to make its policies not look like failures.

Militarism German: The Guarantee of German Military Strength Italian: Black Brigades. Ready, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Fighting for the honor of Italy. German: The Guarantee of German Military Strength

Nationalism German: One People, One Reich, One Furer Italian: Defend him!

Unity German: Health, child protection, fighting poverty, aiding travelers, community, helping mothers. Italian: The day of Faith – December 18, 1935 millions of Italians will ship their wedding rings to help the war effort: they received in return an iron ring bearing the date of that Domenico.