The World Between Wars

I. Post-WWI Europe WWI disrupted European economy, diplomacy, governments End of German and Austro-Hungarian empires Nations agree to never go to war again – Kellogg-Briand Pact Rise of fascism Benito Mussolini creates fascio di combattimeno (“union for struggle”) in Italy Characteristics: nationalistic, absolute authority, violence Replace capitalism and socialism with new national unity Don't want inefficient parliament or socialist class struggle, need authoritarian leader Italian nationalists upset over little post-war gains, increased labor unrest Liberal government could not fix problems, king asked Mussolini to form new government

I. Continued… Rise of fascism (continued…) Nazism Arose partly from post-WWI anger, partly from results of Great Depression Hitler’s National Socialist (Nazi) party argued for unity and removal of parliamentary politics Promised to right the wrongs of the Treaty of Versailles, bring Germany out of economic depression Led to a totalitarian state – direct control over the people Used Gestapo (secret police) to arrest political opponents Eastern European countries (Poland, Yugoslavia, etc.) move towards authoritarian regimes Like Italy – nationalists upset over few territorial gains Economic struggles made it difficult to maintain effective parliaments Mostly agriculture-based economies affected

I. Continued… Rise of fascism (continued…) In Spain, fascism led to the Spanish Civil War Fascists vs. republicans (parliament/social reform supporters) Even with volunteer support from many from U.S. and western Europe, fascists won in 1939 Maintained authoritarian controls for next 25 years

II. Revolution: Mexico Mexican Revolution caused primarily by internal forces, WWI disruption of trade Foreign money dominated industry Small elite group owned most of land Corrupt political system Oppressive tactics used against protest/resistance Run by dictator Porfirio Diaz since 1876 Imprisoned political opponents, rebellion developed Led by Pancho Villa in south, Emiliano Zapata in north Drive Diaz from power, installed Francisco Madero Madero ousted through military coup led by General Victoriano Huerta 1920 – civil war ended, began making changes Mexican Constitution of 1917 – land, education reforms

III. Revolution: Russia 1917 – last Tsar removed from power Liberal government takes control, struggled for eight months Popular unrest (partly related to WWI) led to Bolsheviks (Communist party) to take power Led by Vladimir Lenin 1923 – established the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Recognized multinational character of Russia and its territories But, firmly controlled by Communist party from Moscow Supreme Soviet was parliament-like body But, no competition allowed – Communist party always elected Addition of secret police made it even more authoritarian After death of Lenin (1924), Joseph Stalin rises to power Became more authoritarian – exiled/killed rivals Oversaw collectivization – large, state-run farms

IV. Revolution: China After fall of Qing, liberal reforms overcome by power of regional warlords Peasants need immediate change, not lofty promises and long debates (democracy) Communist victories in Russia led many Chinese intellectuals to consider Marxist ideas All of China = proletariat (oppressed), West = bourgeoisie (oppressors) Led by Li Dazhao, later Mao Zedong (father of modern China) Rise of Guomindang (Nationalist party) occurred in early days of communist thinking, became opposing powers in China 1924 – established Whampoa Military Academy with help from Soviets Produced nationalist leader, Chiang Kai-shek Dismantled system of warlords, turned against communists Eventually forced to ally with Mao and communists when Japan threatened to take over

5-Minute Response What are the cross-cultural characteristics of 20th-century revolutions? (What are some running themes among all the crazy changes that happened post-WWI?)

Key Vocabulary – Ch. 29 Benito Mussolini Stalin Fascism Mexican Revolution Pancho Villa Emiliano Zapata Mexican Constitution of 1917 New Economic Policy Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Supreme Soviet Stalin May Fourth movement Mao Zedong Chiang Kai-shek Long March Great Depression Totalitarian state