1. Weimar Republic and Rise of Hitler
How does the failure of the Weimar Republic lead to the rise of Hitler?

2. Post-WW I Europe need to rebuild war-torn nations - physically
- economically
- politically
end of abs. rule  new democracies
problems w/ democracy
- little/no experience
- too many parties [differing opinions = hard to agree]
- no strong leaders [dependent on abs. rulers to handle gov’t for so long]

3. Weimar Republic [democracy] in Germany after WW I
Chancellor ran the country  elected from majority party in Reichstag (Parliament)
Problems:
- blamed by Germans for accepting harsh terms of T ofV
- had to pay reparations and loss of overseas colony = no $ for internal improvements
- global depression nations around world economic issues
result: hyper-inflation = gov’t prints more $  value of $ drops

5. Rise of Fascism: Germany
Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was sent to prison where he writes Mein Kampf (My Struggle)
1920s: Group called National Socialists (Nazis) unsuccessfully attempt to overthrow the Weimar Rep
Hitler argues Germans are master race & Slavs, Poles, Gypsies, Jews are inferior
Writes Germany needs more space (Lebensraum) & must get back land lost in WWI
1930: Germany hit hard by depression, Hitler blames Weimar Govt & Allies
Promise to fix the economy & restore pride to Germany by overturning Tr. of Vers.
Nazi party starts winning seats in the Parliament (Reichstag)
As the Nazis become more popular, President Hindenburg names Hitler Chancellor (PM) of Germany
Nazis blame Reichstag fire on communists win majority in next election

8. Rise of Fascism: Italy
After WWI, Italians are upset with PM Vittorio, thought he was too weak during Treaty of Versailles, economy also suffering
1920s: Fascism, calls for extreme nationalism and loyalty to leaders is gaining popularity
former newspaper editor & Fascist named Benito Mussolini promises to rescue Italian economy & restore pride to Italy
Fascists win in Parliament, Mussolini’s blackshirts march on Rome demand King Victor Emmanuel make Mussolini PM
King makes Mussolini, Il Duce (the leader)
Discuss: Why would Italians vote for fascists & why did King agree to Mussolini?