The Rise of Dicators in Europe

The Rise of Dictators Widespread economic hardships caused by Great Depression contributed to the rise of dictators in Europe People gave power to strong leaders who promised to solve nations problems Totalitarian dictatorships replaced gov’ts that could not meet their peoples needs

Fascism Fascist leaders emerged in the 1920’s-30’s : Spain Germany Italy

Fascism A political movement that seeks to establish a dictatorial government that is nationalistic and imperialistic Promoted extreme form of nationalism A denial of individual rights The needs of the state outweigh the needs of the individual Dictatorial one party rule were anti-communist

Italy After WWI Italy was disappointed by the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles Had hoped to gain territory

Italy After WWI Economic problems after WWI contributed to social unrest High inflation High unemployment Trade decreased High taxes Workers strikes led by communists Many Italians believed democratic government couldn’t solve problems

Italy After WWI Benito Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in 1919 Had the support of many war veterans and dissatisfied Italians

Rise of Fascism in Italy Mussolini promised to strengthen Italy and solve economic problems Would end unemployment Gain more territory for Italy Would outlaw strikes and communist threats

Rise of Fascism in Italy Mussolini and the Fascists gained power in Italy in 1922 Fascist “Black Shirts” used terror and violence to intimidate opposition Mussolini was known as Il Duce (the leader)

Italy Under Mussolini Mussolini consolidated control of Italy Ended free elections Restricted free speech and free press Killed or jailed political opponents Controlled economy by allying with industrialists and large landowners

Italy Under Mussolini Widespread Use of indoctrination and control of education Convinced people to put goals of state before individual rights

Italian Expansion Mussolini began an aggressive foreign policy Invaded Ethiopia in 1935

Points for Discussion What is Fascism? What conditions led many people in Italy to support Mussolini and the Fascist Party? How did Mussolini consolidate his control over Italy?

3/3 Focus: Important Terms: Do Now: Many Germans blamed the Weimer Republic, the new democratic government created in Germany after WWI, for Germany’s defeat in WWI and post war humiliation caused by the Treaty of Versailles . Important Terms: Inflation Do Now: How did did Mussolini gain power in Italy?

censorship & gov’t control of news Strong military Extreme nationalism Fascism Use of fear and violence State control of economy Blind loyalty to a leader Secret police Rule by dictator

Germany After WWI Many Germans felt that the Treaty of Versailles was unfair and humiliated Germany German territory taken to create new countries Forced to pay war reparations Limited the size of Germany’s military Took away German colonies

Germany After WWI Kaiser Wilhelm stepped down from power in 1919. Germany was in chaos Germans created a new democratic government Known as the Weimar Republic Germany did not have a tradition of democratic government

Weimar Republic Many Germans blamed the Weimar government for accepting the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Weimar Republic Some Germans accused Communists and Jews in Germany of conspiring against Germany during the war

Weimar Republic Inflation and unemployment was a major economic problem for Germany after the war Germany had printed money to pay for expenses of the war rather than tax citizens German currency became worthless Ex: A loaf of bread cost less than one German Mark in 1918; A loaf of bread cost 200 billion Marks in 1923

Weimar Republic Worldwide economic depression added to economic difficulties in Germany

The Nazi Party Extreme right wing political party that believed that the Treaty of Versailles had to be overturned Nationalist Socialist Workers Party German form of fascism Opposed Communism Blamed Jews and foreign powers for Germany’s problems Established a private militia known as the Brown Shirts

Adolf Hitler Became the leader of the Nazi Party in 1920 “Der Führer” (The Leader)

Points for Discussion Why did many Germans resent the Treaty of Versailles? Why did many Germans not support the Weimar government?