The Rise of Dictators

Dictators Threaten World Peace For many European countries, the end of World War I was the beginning of revolutions at home, economic depression and the rise of powerful dictators driven by nationalism and territorial expansion.

Dictators Threaten World Peace Dictators (absolute rulers) seized power in Germany, Japan, Italy and the Soviet Union after World War I. Germany was treated severely after WWI (stripped of land, forced to give up its military and pay reparations to the Allies. A global depression hit – many people looked to dictators to solve problems. The major dictators were: Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union).

Types of Government DICTATORSHIP One person exercises absolute power and unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession (not a king). TOTALITARIAN STATE A government which maintains complete control over its citizens Individuals have no rights, and government suppresses opposition. MONARCHY Just like a dictatorship but rule is by an absolute ruler – like a king. COMMUNISM A governmental system where economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated y a single political party. FASCISM Political movement that consists of a strong, centralized government headed by a powerful dictator Emphasizes the State (nation) over individuals. Allows private enterprise MILITARISTIC STATE The military is the controlling power in government.

Failure of Versailles The peace settlement that ended World War I (Versailles Treaty) failed to provide a “just and secure peace” as promised. Instead, Germany grew more and more resentful of the treaty that they felt was too harsh and too punitive. Hitler believed that Germans were superior to all other people and that a crowded Germany needed the lands of Eastern Europe and Russia.

Adolf Hitler - Germany Hitler’s ability as a public speaker and organizer drew many followers. He quickly became the Nazi Party leader. He called himself, “Der Fuhrer” (the leader). He promised to return Germany to its former glory. Hitler followed a similar path to Mussolini (Italian dictator) and set up a fascist state in Germany. In 1919, he joined a struggling group called the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (NAZIS). Despite its name, the party had no ties to socialist ideas.

Revolution and the New Order German president Hindenburg nominated Hitler as Reich Chancellor on January 30th, 1933. Hitler combined the Presidency and Chancellorship when Hindenburg died on August 2nd, 1934. He established an absolute dictatorship once he was in power. Hitler sent millions of “undesirables” to concentration camps and murdered over 6 million Jewish people.

Hitler’s Beliefs Hitler explained his beliefs in his book, Mein Kampf (My Struggle). He wanted revenge for Germany’s loss in WWI. He wanted to unite all German-speaking people under one grand Empire. He wanted racial purity – “inferior” races such as Jews, Slavs and all non-whites were to form a workforce for the “master race”. National expansion – for Germany to survive it needed more ‘living space’. “to secure German people the land and soil to which they are entitled on this earth” even if this could be accomplished only by “the might of a victorious sword”.

Benito Mussolini - Italy

Benito Mussolini - Italy In 1919 advertised for war veterans to fight politicians who were “destroying Italy”. Feared the spread of Communism Marched into Rome and got the Italian king’s permission to form a new government. Goal – wanted to make Italy a world power. Achieved efficiency, but in the process he crushed all opposition.

The Rise of Fascism in Italy While Stalin was consolidating his power in the Soviet Union, Benito Mussolini was establishing a totalitarian regime in Italy. Mussolini seized power from King Emmanuel III during a coup d’etat, taking advantage of high unemployment, inflation and a middle class fear of communism.

Mussolini creates Fascist party Mussolini was a strong public speaker who appealed to Italian national pride (nationalism…) By 1921, Mussolini had established a Fascist party and government. Fascism stressed nationalism and militarism and placed the interest of the state above the interests of the individual. By 1928, he had consolidated power and established a dictatorship suppressing all opposition.

Mussolini’s Fate After the Allies invaded Italy in July of 1945, Mussolini was forced from power and captured. Mussolini was freed by German soldiers and taken to Italy to re- establish his government. He tried to set up a new government in Northern Italy, but was captured by his own people and hanged.

Hirohito: Emperor of Japan Hirohito’s reign lasted from 1926-1989. Hirohito followed tradition and chose a name for his reign after inheriting the throne when his father died. His reign was called “Showa” or “Radiating Peace”. However, he began a military buildup with several attacks on China and a dream of Pacific domination. He set up a militaristic government.

Militants Gain Control of Japan Japan in the 1930s The 1930s were years of fear in Japan. Democratic forces were weakening. Domestic terrorist violence was increasing (including an attempted assassination of the Emperor in 1932). Military aggression abroad was increasing. Nationalist leaders were seizing control of the Imperial government of Japan. Like Hitler, they desired living spaces for their growing populations.

Japan Attacks China In 1931, Japan attacked the Chinese province of Manchuria. Japan quickly captured the province – which is roughly twice the size of Texas. During the 1930s, the military established almost complete control over the government. Many political enemies were assassinated. Communists were persecuted. People gave up will (personal freedoms) for the good of the government.

Japanese Militarists Goal – increase living space for growing Japanese population. Militarists launched surprise invasion of Manchuria in 1931, controlling this research rich land within several months. The League of Nations condemned Japan – who quit the League. Success of the invasion put the militarists in control of Japan.