What does totalitarian mean? totalitarian refers to a political system that attempts to control every aspect of the lives of those it rules.

Chapter 15 Overview  In this chapter you will learn how political instability and economic problems following World War I encouraged the growth of nationalist, totalitarian dictatorships in some European countries, particularly in Germany, where Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party had gained complete control of the government by 1933.

Discussion  Where did dictatorial governments arise in Europe? Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary,Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece

Discussion  Which countries were still democracies in 1938? France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Cyprus

Discussion  Why might Czechoslovakia and Austria have been in danger of being overrun by dictatorships? Czechoslovakia and Austria were relatively small states surrounded by dictatorships, such as Germany.

Answers for Step Into the Place  Hitler thought that people should serve the state, creating a uniform community.  Stalin wanted to liberate the oppressed masses.  Both leaders were successful.

Discussion Notes  The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919?  Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany in 1933?  The Nuremberg laws went into effect in 1935?

Discussion  What was required of Germany in the Treaty of Versailles? Reparation payments, reduction of military forces, loss of overseas colonies, to demilitarize Rhineland

Discussion  What happened in Spain in 1939? The Republic was overthrown by Francisco Franco.

Answers for Step Into the Time  Example: 1930: Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement was the beginning of India’s fight for independence from Great Britain.  The Treaty of Versailles had made India a British mandate.