The Rise of Totalitarian Governments Benito Mussolini ( )

Totalitarianism Form of dictatorship Control of all aspects of citizens lives Few individual freedoms State controlled media (Books, radio, films etc.) Propaganda Germany, Italy, Soviet Union

Reasons for Rise of Totalitarianism Destruction, and Debt from WWI High Unemployment Rising Inflation Social Unrest Political Conflicts Anger and resentment over Treaty of Versailles

Treaty of Versailles Black Tuesday stock market crashes Great Depression during 1930s Increasing influence of new political parties that emphasize state control - For example: Communism, Nazism, Fascism Total Control of State by a Dictator

Fascism Italy and Germany Totalitarianism Single Political Party – only one political party, fascist Glorification of the state - nation’s goals are advanced at all costs, even war Aggressive Nationalism – nation is superior to all others Private Property – individuals can own businesses and factories Class System – hierarchical distinctions between groups of individuals in society; everyone NOT equal Racism – belief that one race is superior to another* Intense Propaganda – use of lies or falsehoods to promote the government’s political philosophy Destruction of the Opposition – jailing or killing political opponents *Only in German Fascism aka “Nazism”

Communism in Theory “Marxism” No Class system – equality among citizens No Private Property – no private ownership of businesses or factories Collectivism – working for good of society No government – will eventually go away

Communism in Practice Soviet Union Totalitarianism Single Political Party - communism Small upper class – government leaders No Private Property – no private ownership of business, factories Equality among Citizens – except govt. leaders Intense Propaganda – use of lies or falsehoods to promote the government’s philosophy Destruction of the Opposition – jailing or killing political opponents

Contestant #1 I am a womanizer, have self-interested policies and unfortunately suffer from ailing health. Contestant #2 I have a drinking habit and a defiant tongue or attitude Contestant #3 I am a decorated war hero, do not drink and want to create a stable economy

Contestant #3 Contestant #2 Contestant #1

Nazism FascismCommunism *These theories, specifically Communism and Fascism, are completely different theories that are bitterly opposed; however they exhibit the same behavior Totalitarianism

Post WWI Italy Rising unemployment Rising bread prices Shortages of coal Workers strike Peasants seize land Dissatisfaction with TOV - Not given land promised

Mussolini’s Rise to Power Formed the Fascist Party Post WWI chaos creates conditions for change Promises something for everyone People were desperate for relief and wanted a strong government

Mussolini’s Rise to Power Promises, Promises Wealthy - Protect Private Property Worker - Full employment, workers benefits Nationalists - rebuild Italy and recreate the Roman Empire

Blackshirts Mussolini’s followers Attacked and intimidated political opponents Anti-Socialist ideas gained support of Democratic Government

1922 March on Rome Purpose: –establish Mussolini and the Fascist Party as the most important party in Italy Results: –King Victor Emmanuel appointed Mussolini Prime Minister –Mussolini ended democracy –Mussolini became dictator named himself “Il Duce” or The Leader

Mussolini’s Leadership Negatives –Ended democracy & Individual freedoms –Assaulted and murdered opposition Positives –Solved unemployment problem –Restored patriotism and nationalism and recaptured Italy’s greatness –Made the trains run on time

Which of the following enabled Mussolini to rise to power? The Blackshirts 2.The poor economy 3.Promises 4.All of the above