WWII Depression & Fascism in Europe Unit 7

Depression

Europe after WWI World-wide depression (Why?) - Economies of the world are connected - Debt from WWI/German gov’t weak - Many couldn’t afford to buy goods= overproduction, layoffs, inflation - Stock Market Crash (1929) in the USA - USA stops loans to foreign countries

Effects of the depression Unemployment (25% in the USA) People lost land, money & stocks German inflation (Marks became worthless) Democratic governments started social programs Social unrest- people lost everything Fascists promised to fix the economy and restore national pride

Inflation in Germany *July 1914 4.2 marks to the dollar *January 1920 64.8 *January 1922 191.8 *July 1922 493.2 *January 1923 17,972.0 *July 1923 353,412 *August 1923 4,620,455 *September 1923 98,860,000 *October 1923 25,260,208,000 * November 15, 1923 4,200,000,000,000

Fascism in Europe

What is Fascism? Total obedience to one leader. Rulers often gain control by convincing people that there is a problem that only the leader can solve. Leaders use nationalism, propaganda, and violent force to stay in control.

Italy After WWI After WWI, Italians were angry about not gaining land and scared of communist revolution. The democratic government appeared weak in handling inflation and unemployment.

Mussolini in Italy Benito Mussolini promised to make Italy strong by building an army and fixing the economy. In 1922, 30,000 Fascist supporters demanded that Mussolini be put into power, and the king agreed.

Il Duce (The Leader) Mussolini became the leader and outlawed all political parties except the Fascists. How he secured his leadership: Secret police jailed his opponents Radio and newspapers were censored Outlawed strikes and labor unions Nationalism

“All great world-shattering events have The Power of Speech “All great world-shattering events have Been brought about…. By the spoken word! “ ~Adolf Hitler~

Rise of the Nazis The Nazi Political party believed that the Treaty of Versailles should be overturned and that communism was dangerous.

Adolf Hitler Born 1889, high school drop out, failed artist Fought in WWI and won 2 Iron Cross awards for bravery Joined the Nazis in 1920 and quickly became known for speaking ability

Mein Kampf (My Struggle) 1923, Hitler tried to take over the government but failed and was arrested for treason. Served 9 months in prison during which he wrote Mein Kampf, a book that was a blueprint for his takeover of Germany.

Hitler’s Beliefs Hitler’s beliefs: Germans, especially “Aryans”, people with blonde hair and blue eyes were the master race Believed Jews, Slavs, and Gypsies were subhuman Germans needed to regain lands lost by Treaty of Versailles Germany was overcrowded and needed lebenstraum (living space)= leads to the relocation of Jews.

Hitler Gets Power 1932, America stopped loans to Germany, 30% of Germans were unemployed, and inflation caused starvation Frightened and upset, Germans wanted a strong leader and Hitler became Chancellor (1933) The SS (Protection squad) was formed and murdered Hitler’s enemies. Hitler Youth was established. Hitler (The Fuhrer) created a totalitarian government