The Rise of Fascism in Europe

Problems of Europe after World War I Millions of soldiers became unemployed (demobilised) People who worked in industries which had manufactured War Equipment lost their jobs

People look for Answers In many Countries, extremist political parties began to grow in popularity because people were becoming disillusioned with their Governments. They felt their Governments were not solving the problems of Inflation and Unemployment. The 2 main Extremist Groups were: 1. COMMUNISTS: This emerged in Russia in the early years of the 20th Century, based on the writings of KARL MARX. Communists believed that all the people should share ownership of the country’s wealth. Marx argued that this should be achieved by revolution to overthrow the old system. The Communists had seized power in Russia in 1917 and set up the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)

Vladimir Lenin had led the Communist Revolution in Russia in 1917 Joseph Stalin had replaced Lenin in 1928 to become leader of the USSR

2. FASCISTS: Fascism emerged from Italy based on the ideas of Benito Mussolini. They believed in having a STRONG LEADER who had total control over a country. Fascist Governments took control in Italy in 1922 (Mussolini), Germany in 1933 (Hitler) and Spain in 1939 (Franco)

Italy & MUSSOLINI Italy fought on the side of Britain and France in World War I. 600, 000 Italian soldiers died In return for this support, Italy had been promised large amount of territory. Italians felt “stabbed in the back” when much of this territory was not given. Italy had huge problems after WWI: HIGH TAXES, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, STRIKES. There was also a growing fear of COMMUNISM People began to lose faith in Democracy and turned to more radical ideas, such as those of the newly formed Fascist Party, led by Benito Mussolini

WHO WERE THE FASCISTS? Fascism took its name from the FASCIO DI COMBATTIMENTO (combat groups)founded by Mussolini in 1919. Fascists portrayed an image of a dynamic party who would give STRONG LEADERSHIP. However, to begin with, Fascists did not have much support. In the 1921 election in Italy, they won only 35 out of the 535 seats in Parliament. Flag of the Italian Fascist Party

Characteristics of Fascism UNIFORM: Fascists wore a Military-Style uniform. Because of its colour they were called the BLACKSHIRTS SALUTE: Taken from Roman times, Fascists used the Straight Arm Salute. NATIONALISM: Nationalism is a pride in/love for your country. However, Fascists were aggressively Nationalistic. They were convinced that their nation was superior to all others and had the right to conquer other countries. TOTALITARIAN: Did not believe in Democracy. Believed in One-Party rule with Total Control by its leader. CULT OF THE LEADER: The leader was seen as hugely important, like the Father of the Nation. Fascists were strongly Anti-Communist.

Mussolini Comes to Power In October 1922 the Fascists threatened to seize power by undertaking a MARCH ON ROME. The Italian King, Victor Emmanuel, was advised that the army could not be relied upon to resist Mussolini. The King invited Mussolini to become Prime Minister and to form a Government. Mussolini went ahead with a March into Rome, but it was now a Victory March. Mussolini had not seized power, it had been handed to him, through the THREAT OF VIOLENCE.

Mussolini Tightens his Grip Mussolini convinced the Italian Parliament to pass a new electoral law, the ACERBO LAW. It said that the party which won the most votes in an election would get two-thirds of the seats. During the 1924 General Election campaign, Blackshirts intimidated its opponents. Unsurprisingly, Fascists won the most votes and therefore got full control of Parliament… Democracy in Italy was dead!

Creating a Dictatorship Mussolini adopted the title “Il Duce”, which means THE Leader. He declared that the Government now had to answer to the Fascist Grand Council, not the Parliament. He set up a Secret Police Force, called the OVRA. Their job was to spy on “enemies of Italy” and to spread fear. Tribunals were set up to try these “enemies”. Defence witnesses, juries or the right of appeal were NOT PERMITTED. After 1926, Mussolini RULED BY DECREE. This meant he needed nobody’s approval for any laws. In 19 years Mussolini issued 100,000 decrees! ITALY WAS NOW A TOTALITARIAN DICTATORSHIP

Use of Propaganda The Fascist Government took control of all media (newspapers and radio). This control also extended to controlling what kind of plays could be performed, what songs could be played on radio, etc. Papers were used to publish exaggerated, one-sided accounts of the news. This is called PROPAGANDA. Any newspapers who did not follow these orders were shut down. Portraits of Musslolini (Il Duce-The Leader) were displayed everywhere. Slogans such as “believe, obey, fight”, and “the leader is always right” were displayed everywhere also. The education system was used to shape the minds of the young into obeying orders and loving Mussolini. A Youth Movement called the BALILLA was formed. This was essentially the Youth Wing of the Fascist Party.

“UNA DUCE, UNA VOCE” One Leader, One Voice