1. Dictators in Europe & European Aggression HRHS World History Mr. Snell

2. Setting the Stage Democracy remained strong in places like the USA, Britain, France, despite the Great Depression. Millions of others lost faith in democracy. Turned to an extreme style of government called fascism. Goals: Revive economy, punish those responsible for hard times, restore order and national pride.

3. What is Fascism? New Militant political movement emphasizing loyalty to the state and obedience to its leader. Extreme nationalism (so loyalty to one’s country) No defined theory or program (Communism had this). Fascist’s believed nation’s must struggle. They wore uniforms of a certain color, used special salutes, and held mass rallies.

4. Fascism vs Communism Both have one-party rule (dictators) Both deny individual rights. Both believe the state is supreme (No democracy). Communists sought a classless society. Fascist’s believed everyone had their time and place and function.

5. Fascism’s Rise in Italy Fueled by the failure to add territory from World War I back in 1919. Social unrest from inflation & unemployment. Democratic government appeared to be failing many Italians. Wanted a leader who would take action!

6. Benito Mussolini Newspaper editor and politician Promised to rescue Italy by reviving the economy and rebuilding its army. Vowed to give Italy strong leadership. Fascist party began growing rapidly. Black Shirts – fascists who attacked communists and socialists in the streets of Italy.

7. 1922 30,000 Fascists marched to Rome demanding change Mussolini be put in charge of government. Mussolini became “IL Duce” or the leader. – Abolished Democracy and outlawed all political parties. – Secret police jailed his opponents. – Censorship of media – Controlled economy.

8. Rise of Germany Adolf Hitler was a young boy at the time of Mussolini’s power. Volunteered twice for the Germany army, awarded the Iron Cross medal for bravery twice. Post-War settled in Munich (1919). Joined a tiny right wing political group. National Socialist German Worker’s party – aka Nazis for short. Nazism – German brand of fascism.

9. Der Fuhrer - Leader Hitler became leader of the Nazi party. Failed attempt to seize power in 1923. Arrested for treason – Sentenced for 5 years, served only 9 months. – Wrote Mein Kampf, meaning “my struggle” – Set forth beliefs and goals for Germany – Germany needed more Lebensraum – living space. No popularity out of prison until the American Great Depression made Germany’s economy collapse.

10. Hitler becomes Chancellor Nazi Party was the largest in 1932. Reichstag Fire helped Hitler eliminate the threat of communists and win the election for the Nazi Party. Germany turned into a totalitarian state. SS – Hitler’s protection squad. (schutzstaffel) – Arrested and murdered 100’s of his enemies. Gestapo – Nazi secret police Both groups shocked Germany into obedience. Hitler put everyone to work.

11. Supreme Control Hitler wanted control of all aspects of German life. Propaganda became huge for him. Hitler hated Jews…known as anti- Semitism. Nazi’s used Jews as Germany’s scapegoats.

12. Aggression Begins Japan invades Manchuria & China – First direct challenge to the League of Nations – Withdraws from the league. – Inspires European fascists to plan out their aggression since the League failed to stop Japan. Mussolini (Italy) attacks Ethiopia – Plea for help, ignored by League of Nations – Britain/France allowed it hoping it would keep peace in Europe.

13. Hitler Defies Versailles Treaty It did limit the size of Germany’s army which he didn’t like. 1935 – Hitler announced it would not obey the restrictions. The League mildly condemned him. Hitler took another big risk… – German troops occupied the Rhineland, an off limits Industrial area for Germany. – France was stunned, but not willing to risk war. Appeasement – Giving in to an aggressor to keep peace.  Britain did this to Hitler.

14. Hitler + Mussolini Minimal response by the League led Hitler to continue. Rome-Berlin Axis – Alliance between Italy/Germany. Germany also would ally with Japan. Axis Powers – Germany, Italy, Japan Helped Francisco France emerge as the fascist dictator in Spain after helping him win the civil war.

15. What are the Democratic countries doing??? Isolationism – Belief that political ties to other countries should be avoided. Found in USA.

16. German Reich Expands Nov. 5 th, 1937 Hitler announced his plans to absorb Austria & Czechoslovakia into the Third Reich. – Treaty of Versailles prohibited Anschluss, or union between Germany & Austria. 1938 – Hitler sends army to Austria and annexes it. – France & Britain do nothing. Hitler turned to Czechoslovakia wanting the border region known as the Sudetenland. – Czechs won’t give it up, ask France for help.

17. Munich Conference Germany, France, Britain, Italy meet. Czechs not invited. Neville Chamberlain of Britain wanted to appease Hitler. France & Britain agreed that Hitler could take the Sudetenland if he agreed to respect Czech borders, which he did. – 6 months later Hitler took all of Czechoslovakia. – Mussolini then seized Albania. – Hitler then wanted Poland to give up the former German port called Danzig. – Poland refused seeking aid from France/Britain.

18. Nonaggression Pact Fascist Germany & Communist Russia agreed not to attack one another. War was about to become inevitable as the Axis Powers continued to move unchecked.