Rise of Dictatorships

As North America struggled with the Great Depression, other countries, especially in Europe, struggled with political upheaval: Most European economies had not recovered from WWI High unemployment, food shortages, crime… Some saw Communism as the answer their political and economic problems Others wanted a strong military or Fascist government to restore law and order Result? Rise of leaders who became Dictators who suppressed all opposition

Soviet Union (Russia) Leader = Josef Stalin – he took over from Lenin and was ruthless and cruel – Stalin’s “purges” Became a “totalitarian state” His economic and agricultural policies led to the death of millions of Russians

Italy Leader – Benito Mussolini (“Il Duce”) Became a Facist state that opposed all democracy Nationalistic and relied on the military and secret police to maintain absolute control, including control of media and the use of propaganda to spread their ideals

Spain Leader – General Francisco Franco Facist leader who had attacked the Spanish government and caused a Civil War vs. the elected govt. Anti-Facists (including 1200 Cdns. who formed the “Mackenzie-Papineau Batallion”) fought against Franco Franco had the military support of Hitler and Mussolini

Germany Leader = Adolf Hitler (“der Fuhrer”) He and his Nazi Party were elected in 1933 and he became Chancellor of Germany – he abolished all other political parties and unions They claimed they had the solutions to bring Germany out of the Great Depression and restore its glory - resented the “war guilt clause” and paying reparations for damages Hitler ruled as a ruthless dictator with intimidation, fear and racism