Fascist Dictatorships

Fascism was one attempt to solve the problems after WWI Fascism was one attempt to solve the problems after WWI There was no fascism before 1918 There was no fascism before 1918 Yet during the 1920’s and 1930’s fascist dictators emerged in Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and for a short time during WWII in some German conquered territories Yet during the 1920’s and 1930’s fascist dictators emerged in Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and for a short time during WWII in some German conquered territories

DICTATORSHIP - a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition DICTATORSHIP - a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition TOTALITARIAN DICTATORSHIP - a concept used to describe political systems where a state regulates nearly every aspect of society TOTALITARIAN DICTATORSHIP - a concept used to describe political systems where a state regulates nearly every aspect of society

Fascism is a doctrine which sanctifies the interests of the state and minimizes the interests of the individual Fascists are for: Fascists are for: –NATIONALISM –RACISM –IMPERIALISM –DICTATORSHIP –PARAMILITARY ORGANIZATION Fascists are against: Fascists are against: –DEMOCRACY –SOCIALISM –COMMUNISM

Fascist’s believe the democracy creates class conflict and that individual freedom weakens the nation state. Fascist’s believe the democracy creates class conflict and that individual freedom weakens the nation state.

Fascism and Nationalism From the beginning the fascist movement has been a form of extreme nationalism based on pride in the allegedly unique characteristics and achievements of one’s own people and country.

Fascism and Racism Fascist national pride often implies hostility towards other people usually vented against particular minority groups.

Fascism and Imperialism Fascist national pride often expresses itself in aggressive imperialism since military and economic conquest strengthen the nation-state

Fascism and Dictatorships To hold the nation state together fascists believe in the kind of strong government a dictatorship can provide Such dictatorship is achieved and maintained through the power of a paramilitary organization. That is, private police forces and armies which do not hesitate to employ violence.

Fascism is a movement supported by military leaders, big industrialists and others generally labelled right wing. Its mass support comes mainly from the lower middle class. What distinguishes the fascist movement from other right wing parties is its revolutionary air to replace the existing structure with a new organization the one party totalitarian state.

 Fascism is a movement based on extreme nationalism

Italian Fascism  Fascism takes its name from the Italian Fascisti - a movement led by BENITO MUSSOLINI  He came to power in 1922 and became the first fascist dictators in Europes

In the wake of war Italy suffered acute depression and mass unemployment, social unrest spread. In the cities strikes broke out in heavy industries. In the country side peasants burned crops and destroyed livestock.

In the 1924 elections the fascists used intimidation and strong arm methods to suppress opposition.  From 1924 on Mussolini consciously set out to establish a TOTALITARIAN STATE  The Fascist party needed to have complete domination over all facets of Italian life

IL DUCE Mussolini adopted the title IL DUCE – the leader The Fascists quickly abolished all political opposition Censorship was complete, trade unions were banned and culture had to conform to the party line

PROPAGANDA Skillful propaganda bred a sense of identification between the nation and the fascist party. Mussolini had given the common people a sense of commitment This was expressed in numerous uniforms and the fascist youth movement which indoctrinated young people in the ideology of the party. It was expressed in mass political meetings and in total identification with IL DUCE – the symbol of Italian greatness

FASCIST DICTATORSHIPS PART II RISE OF HITLER

Adolf Hitler used many of the same methods employed by the Italian Fascists; combined STRONG ARM tactics with skill full propaganda Adolf Hitler used many of the same methods employed by the Italian Fascists; combined STRONG ARM tactics with skill full propaganda

Hitler took office in January 1933 In February just 6 days before a national election was scheduled the Reichstag or Parliament building mysteriously burned to the ground. The Nazi’s blamed the Communists.

The Third Reich In the frenzy that followed Hitler was granted temporary dictatorial powers. These powers were to last 12 years until his death at the end of WWII. HIS THIRD REICH

Fascism in Europe adopted a German and therefore anti-semetic tone. But by the end of WWII ( ) Hitler and Mussolini were dead and their armies defeated…The Age of Fascism had come to an end.