The Seeds of War: The Rise of Totalitarianism Mr. Marinello * US History

The Aftermath of World War I Europe was still recovering from WWI The continent suffered massive destruction during the conflict The Treaty of Versailles laid blame for the war on Germany Most of the world was then gripped by the same problems America faced, including the Great Depression.

The Weimar Republic Germany’s first attempt at democracy. Faced daunting problems Rebuilding the country 1.7 million Germans were killed in World War I 4.2 million injured in battle War reparations German Unemployment hit 30% in 1932

Hyperinflation becomes reality Germans were ordered to pay 269 billion Marks 834 billion in 2013 dollars The decided to print money to pay their obligations. When you print money the money you have is worth less. (Inflation) Hyperinflation is when the process gets out of control. A loaf of bread Nov 1918: 1 mark Nov 1922: 163 marks Sep 1923: 1,500,000 marks Nov 1923: 200,000,000,000 marks

What is Totalitarianism? A system of government where government exercised total control over the lives of citizens. After World War I and the Great Depression many countries found this attractive

German Totalitarianism Adolf Hitler was a jobless World War I veteran who in 1919 joined the National Socialist German Workers Party Would later be called the Nazi Party Hitler wrote a book called Mein Kampf, in which he laid the blame for Germany’s problems on several groups. Jewish people Communists Non-white (Non-Aryan) Adolf Hitler was a charismatic speaker who was elected Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Shortly after being appointed Chancellor, Hitler consolidated his power and took control of all of Germany.

German Nazism Using a fire in the Parliament to declare an emergency, Hitler worked to disband elected government. Making himself the sole leader or Führer Hitler began a campaign to eliminate opposition and groups he viewed as undesirable. By 1945 Hitler would be responsible for the death of 11 million individuals

Italian Totalitarianism After World War I, Italy suffered much like the rest of Europe. A rise in Communist activity, including some bitter strikes lead Italians to demand a leader. In 1921, Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist party. Mussolini, drawing on extreme patriotism and frustration among the citizens, marched on Rome in 1922 with thousands of marchers and demanded he be appointed leader of Italy. Mussolini promised efficiency. He delivered. He said once “Italy want peace, work, and calm. I will give these things with love if possible, with force if necessary.” He achieved this by eliminating all opposition to his rule.

Italian Fascism Fascism was marked by extreme patriotism and strong nationalism. Individuals were expected to place the glory of the state over themselves. Fascist believed power must rest with one strong leader and his followers. Italian Fascism did not bear the same xenophobic (distrust of outsiders) tendencies as Nazism.

Russian Totalitarianism After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Russia withdrew from World War I. They were faced with many different issues than the rest of Europe. With the death of their leader Vladimir Lenin there was a power struggle and Joseph Stalin came to power. There was no opposition to eliminate but Stalin needed to modernize Russia. He instituted programs designed to improve the Soviet State. Stalin focused on industry and agriculture

Russian Communism Stalin abolished all private ownership and instituted collective farming across the country. Communists believed that society benefited when all people worked for the benefit of everyone else. It is estimated that he is responsible for 13 million deaths in his quest for control.

Japanese Totalitarianism The Japanese since 1868 were ruled by an absolute monarch, the Emperor. Militaristic forces in the government wanted to expand Japan’s territory into China. In 1931, Japan invaded a province of China, Manchuria. The League of Nations did nothing. Japan’s Imperial Monarchy was interested in expanding their Empire. In 1941, the Emperor, Hirohito, appointed Hideki Tojo as Prime Minister. Tojo initiated the plans to attack America at Pearl Harbor.