Or how did these crazy nutjobs come into power in the first place? The Rise of Fascism Or how did these crazy nutjobs come into power in the first place?
What is Fascism? Fascism = a militant political movement Originated in Italy by Benito Mussolini Loyalty to the state Extreme nationalism Uniforms and salutes Nations must struggle and fight No individual rights Each class had special place Used religion for own purpose Hated Communism
Mussolini and Italy After WWI, Italy was Mad about no territorial gains Afraid of a Communist Revolution Benito Mussolini promised to save economy and rebuild army Mussolini and Black Shirts marched on Rome Made King hand over power to B.M. Took power legally.. Sort of…
More Mussolini “Il Duce” = the leader Abolished democracy Secret police galore Created a model Fascist State
The Rise of Adolf Hitler
The Rise of the NAZIs National Socialist German Workers’ Party Swastika for a symbol Brownshirts = storm troopers (militia, not star wars) Hitler became der Führer of NAZI party Attempted coup failed Lesson learned: Had to take power legally
Hitler’s Plans for Germany Hitler imprisoned for treason Wrote book Mein Kampf (My Struggle) Germans were master race (called them “Aryans”) Non Aryans were inferior Vowed to reverse the Treaty of Versailles Conquer eastern Europe and Russia Gain “lebenraum” or “living space”
Hitler’s Rise to Power… 100% Legal During depression, Hitler rose in prestige and prominence Widespread fear of communism President appointed Hitler chancellor Hitler asked for dictatorial powers for 4 years
Totalitarian Regime Banned all other political parties SS (schutzstaffel)- elite military force loyal only to Hitler Gestapo = secret police Took control of economy Propaganda Book burning Hitler Youth and League of German Girls
The German Scapegoat Targeted the Jewish population for failure in WWI Anti-Semitism already engrained in German (and all European) society Deprived Jews of their rights Kristallnacht- “Night of the Broken Glass” Attack on Jewish owned businesses A “pogrom”- gov’t sponsored violence against Jews