3/2 Focus: Important Terms: Do Now: In response to political turmoil and economic crisis, people in Italy and Germany turned to totalitarian dictators who promised solutions to their nations problems. Important Terms: Fascism Do Now: What are some characteristics of life in a totalitarian state?

The Rise of Dicators in Europe

The Rise of Dictators Widespread economic hardships caused by Great Depression contributed to the rise of dictators in Europe People gave power to strong leaders who promised to solve nations problems Totalitarian dictatorships replaced gov’ts that could not meet their peoples needs

Fascism Fascist leaders emerged in the 1920’s-30’s : Spain Germany Italy

Fascism A political movement that seeks to establish a dictatorial government that is nationalistic and imperialistic Promoted extreme form of nationalism A denial of individual rights The needs of the state outweigh the needs of the individual Dictatorial one party rule were anti-communist

Italy After WWI Italy was disappointed by the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles Had hoped to gain territory

Italy After WWI Economic problems after WWI contributed to social unrest High inflation High unemployment Trade decreased High taxes Workers strikes led by communists Many Italians believed democratic government couldn’t solve problems

Italy After WWI Benito Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in 1919 Had the support of many war veterans and dissatisfied Italians

Rise of Fascism in Italy Mussolini promised to strengthen Italy and solve economic problems Would end unemployment Gain more territory for Italy Would outlaw strikes and communist threats

Rise of Fascism in Italy Mussolini and the Fascists gained power in Italy in 1922 Fascist “Black Shirts” used terror and violence to intimidate opposition Mussolini was known as Il Duce (the leader)

Italy Under Mussolini Mussolini consolidated control of Italy Ended free elections Restricted free speech and free press Killed or jailed political opponents Controlled economy by allying with industrialists and large landowners

Italy Under Mussolini Widespread Use of indoctrination and control of education Convinced people to put goals of state before individual rights

Italian Expansion Mussolini began an aggressive foreign policy Invaded Ethiopia in 1935

Points for Discussion What is Fascism? What conditions led many people in Italy to support Mussolini and the Fascist Party? How did Mussolini consolidate his control over Italy?

censorship & gov’t control of news Strong military Extreme nationalism Fascism Use of fear and violence State control of economy Blind loyalty to a leader Secret police Rule by dictator