The Rise of Totalitarian Government

1. What is Totalitarianism? A form of gov’t in which the national gov’t has total control over public and private lives of its citizens.

For example: -No separation between the government and society. - Can tell you what religion to practice, what job you will have, where to live, etc…

TOTALITARIAN GOVERNMENTS TOTAL CONTROL “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

7 Aspects of Totalitarianism Notes Question #2 7 Aspects of Totalitarianism Absolute control of the gov’t Society of fear Use of propaganda Lack of news / information State controls the individual Charismatic leader – dictator No opposition allowed

3. Why was there a rise in Totalitarianism after WWI ? Increase in poor economic & social conditions modern technology forced change reaction to previous ideologies (beliefs) population as a whole forced to sacrifice & increasingly under gov’t control Change was happening too quick People wanted someone to fix all the problems after the war

Fascism is an extreme form of Totalitarianism 4. What is FASCISM? The state is more important than the individual, strong militarism and nationalism, led by a charismatic dictator Fascism is an extreme form of Totalitarianism

What is Fascism? Fascismo – created by Italian dictator, Mussolini, derived from the Italian word fascio, which means "bundle" or "union". Symbol = rods tied around an axe, means strength through unity a single rod is easily broken, while the bundle is difficult to break.

5. What are characteristics of Fascism? 1. Leaders used various methods to create unity and spirit and consolidate their power. 2. Used special salutes, military steps and emblems/symbols 3. Hold rallies and military parades for the public 4. Instituting elite military groups that utilized absolute power and terror tactics.

Democracy is to freedom as Totalitarianism is to _________________ Democracy is to freedom as Totalitarianism is to _________________. What animal would best represent Fascism? What would be a good symbol for both Totalitarianism and Fascism? Can you think of any books or movies that might have a hidden message about Fascism or Totalitarianism?

Italy

How would that help a person overthrow a government and come to power? ITALY What was Italy like post-WWI? Italy didn’t get land they wanted at the end of WWI. Italy’s democratic government was blamed for the inflation, unemployment and economic problems that existed in the country after WWI. How would that help a person overthrow a government and come to power?

Benito Mussolini Fascist dictator of Italy by 1922 “Il Duce” (the leader) Creator of Fascism

#2 Why support MUSSOLINI? 1. His vision of a strong, orderly Italy was appealing 2. He created the “Black Shirts” and encouraged them to use of violence against Socialists and Communists, whom many Italians blamed for the chaos of postwar Italy. 3. He promised to end economic problems by getting workers to stop their strikes.

#3 How did Mussolini gain power? He seized power in 1922 when his fellow Fascists marched to Rome and told King Emmanuel III to make Mussolini the leader of the gov’t. Mussolini was given the title of “Il Duce”, or the Leader. His Fascist dictatorship used secret police and censorship to maintain his power. He allowed no other political parties. He had total control over the daily lives of the Italian people.

The truth is that men are tired of liberty. Let us have a dagger between our teeth, a bomb in our hands, and an infinite scorn in our hearts” “It's good to trust others but, not to do so is much better”

#4 How did Mussolini respond to the Treaty of Versailles? He invaded Ethiopia in 1935 without permission from the League of Nations. The League protested, but did nothing to physically stop Italy. In 1936, Italy also sent troops and weapons to Spain to assist Francisco Franco in winning the Spanish Civil War so he could become dictator of Spain. Violated the Treaty again, but nothing was done. Also in 1936, Italy formed an alliance with Germany and Japan, known as the Axis Powers. They violated the Treaty, but no action was taken against them.

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