Communism and Totalitarian Regimes

China in the 1900’s China was ready for Revolution. WHY??? Foreign Influence controlled trade and economic resources Many wanted improvements in education, military, and the economy Qing dynasty (ruled since 1644) was overthrown by the Kuomintang (nationalists) in 1911

Chinese Communist Party Founded by Mao Zedong (1921) Influenced and aided by the Soviet Union (Lenin) Jiang Jeishi became President (supported by U.S. & GB) and they fought against the communists 1930’s bloody civil war lasting until 1949

Nationalists vs. Communists Mao- recruited peasants (Red Army) “guerilla tactics” The Long March (6,000 miles)- communists outnumbered by nationalists Japan sees weakness & invades (mid 1930’s)- puts civil war on hold By 1949- China becomes Communist under Mao Zedong U.S. feared- communist would spread throughout the world.

Rise of Totalitarian/ Fascist Governments * Radical leaders began to emerge after Post-WWI Europe: - Adolf Hitler and Nazism, a type of Fascism in Germany - Benito Mussolini and Fascism in Italy * Most of the new Republics of Europe were not meeting the economic and social needs of their people * Weimar Republic of Germany could not deal with inflation in the German economy * The Italian Social Republic had no political power against political revolutionaries

The Rise of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler was a soldier in World War I and resented the Versailles peace settlements In 1920, Hitler joined the small Nazi Party and became its leader the next year. A master orator, he gained support of the German people through nationalism, anti-semitism, anti-communism, and charisma Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933 Hitler quickly established a totalitarian state in Germany

Rise of Facist Italy *Benito Mussolini was the leader of the National Fascist Party in Italy *He became the Prime Minister in 1922 and established a totalitarian state -He used massive propaganda to influence the Italian people -He outlawed all other political parties -He declared himself the Head of Government -He launched huge economic recovery programs

Characteristics of Fascist Totalitarianism Used extreme nationalism to get and maintain public support Wanted to expand military and conquer land Protect private property (some capitalism) but the state controls production and big industry. Disagree and condemn both Democracy and Communism Hitler and Mussolini were Fascist Dictators