Background to World War Two Why do new political parties emerge in the 1930s?

Rise of Extremism Political Spectrum (of sorts!) Political democracies were new to many post WW1 European nations – voters had difficulty judging the new politicians Great Depression caused social, economic, political problems – People were ready to follow any leader that promised to make things better! Political Spectrum (of sorts!) Left Communism Right Fascism USSR NAZI Germany Italy State Individual Canada, Britain, France, US Centre Democracy

Great Depression during 1930s Total Control of State by a Dictator Black Tuesday 1929 - stock market crashes Treaty of Versailles Great Depression during 1930s Totalitarianism Government establishes TOTAL control of all aspects of the state (political, military, economy, social, cultural). Total Control of State by a Dictator Increasing influence of new political parties that emphasize state control -For example: Communism, Nazism, Fascism

Fascism Communism Country ruled by a dictator who has total power Total obedience is demanded Control population through: Terror Propaganda Hate (Scapegoats) There IS private ownership People can own businesses Owners are allowed to keep profits RELIGION (one approved of by Leader) may be allowed Country CAN be ruled by a dictator Leaders are elected from communist party Controls through same three ways There is NO private ownership Government owns businesses Ex: media, banks, transport Religion not usually tolerated.

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

Background to World War Two Dictators of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s

MUSSOLINI Benito Mussolini the leader (Il Duce) of Italy from 1922 to 1943. Ran a fascist military dictatorship. Promised to make Italy independent, increase economic progress Followers called Blackshirts I am Benito Mussolini the leader (Il Duce) of Italy from 1922 to 1943. What is Fascism? RIGHT WING intense nationalism and elitism totalitarian control interests of the state more important than individual rights maintain class system and private ownership Interesting Fact: Fascism name was derived from the fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority consisting of a bundle of rods and an ax

Stalin Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union from 1922-1953. Came to power after Lenin died Led a Communist Dictatorship Killed those against him- sent them to prison camps in Siberia, executed people in secret Murdered 20 million people while in power I am Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union from 1922-1953. What is Communism? LEFT WING based on theory by Karl Marx revolutionary idea of a political, economic and social system that creates a “classless society” state ownership and control of the means of production (no private ownership) Soviet Communism or “Stalinism”, was more of a totalitarian and military state combined with elements of communism

Hirohito Emperor Hirohito, the leader of Japan from 1926-1989. Seen as divine, “son of heaven” Dreamt of a vast Pacific empire for Japan

Franco Francisco Franco, the leader of Spain from 1939 - 1975 Wanted to remove communism which started the Spanish Civil War Fascist dictator took over with the help of Mussolini and Hitler

Hitler Adolf Hitler the leader (Fuhrer) or dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945. Fought in WWI, wanted revenge on traitors who agreed to Treaty of Versailles After war, joined Nazi party I am Adolf Hitler the leader (der Fuhrer) or dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945. What is Nazism? extremely fascist , nationalistic and totalitarian based on beliefs of the National Socialist German Workers Party belief in the racial superiority of the Aryan, the “master race” belief that all Germans should have “lebensraum” or living space in Europe Violent hatred towards Jews and blamed Germany’s problems on them

Why Germans Supported Hitler Glad to see a strong man in charge Didn’t realize his intentions even though they were documented in Mein Kampf Inspiring leader Brilliant and hypnotizing speaker Inspiring Nazi rallies: songs, parades People felt they were part of a new movement Propaganda offered a source of all problems – the Jews Made being a Nazi exciting – uniforms, songs, symbols

1933 -Hitler becomes the “Fuhrer” His policies – What he did! “Lebensraum” (living room) to take over all German-speaking countries annexed by the Treaty of Versaille (Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia) Secret police – Gestapo Search-out, seize, torture and terrorize all opposition Propaganda gave people targets to blame for all problems: The Treaty of Versailles, Jews and communists. Preached “racial purity” - Germans were a ‘master race’ Jobs - Got Germans back to work poured money into construction and factories: new roads, weapons (forbidden by T of Versailles.) men flocked to the army

Contestant #2 I have a drinking habit and a defiant tongue or attitude Who Would You Vote For? 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

Who Did You Vote For? Contestant #3 Contestant #2 Contestant #1 Franklin Roosevelt – US President 2. Winston Churchill – US President 3. Adolf Hitler – Germany Reich