The Rise of Fascism

1. The Rise of Fascism World War II and the Cold War

2. Introduction Fascism refers to a new political system that appeared in Europe after World War I. It is taken from a political party formed by Benito Mussolini in Italy, but is used by most historians to identify similar systems such as Nazism in Germany.

3. Main Characteristics of European Fascism • Nationalism. • Extreme nationalists who believed that the highest value was the nation. • Claimed their nation was superior to others. • Strongly opposed to Communism.

4. Main Characteristics of European Fascism • Unity of All Social Classes. • Felt that a single national party should unite all classes. • The strong had a natural right to dominate the weak. • Opposed worker unions and strikes.

5. Main Characteristics of European Fascism • All-Powerful Leaders. • Believed that a single all-powerful leader, like Mussolini or Hitler, could best represent the national will and lead the nation.

7. Main Characteristics of European Fascism • Extreme Militarism • Used violence to defeat their political opponents and prepared to use war for national expansion. • Saw war as a glorious experience.

8. The Roots of Fascism • Anti-Semitism • Hatred of Jews, or Anti-Semitism, was common among some Europeans. • Their unique beliefs and customs made them easy targets for times of social unrest and economic difficulty. • Jews were blamed in the late 1800s for the disruptions caused by the rapid industrialization of Europe.

9. The Roots of Fascism • Racism • This is a form of contempt for people of other races. • European racism was strengthened by the experiences of overseas imperialism and the by the spirit of nationalism.

10. The Roots of Fascism • Social Darwinism • Racism and anti-Semitism were made respectable by applying Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to human society. • Believed that all human groups competed for survival and that stronger groups had the right to succeed over weaker groups, who deserved to die out.

11. The Old Order Collapses • Germany • Kaiser Wilhelm II was forced out when the war was lost. • The Weimar Republic (new democratic republic) was weak. • The wealthy opposed it and preferred to give all political power to a single leader than the common people. • They were afraid the socialists would follow the USSR’s example and blamed the Weimar Republic for accepting the Treaty of Versailles.

13. The Old Order Collapses • USSR • Soviet Communists had built a totalitarian state, controlling all aspects of life. • Stalin, the new leader, quickly moved to eliminate other rivals in a series of “purges,” accusing them of disloyalty. • Opponents were sent to icy gulags in Siberia. • Stalin starved Ukraine into submission. • The fear of the spread of Communism led some to support extreme anti-Communist leaders like Mussolini and Hitler.

15. Italy Communists were making inroads in the Italian government. The “Red Menance” scared Italian industrialists, landlords, and property holders. Italians were tired of constant strikes and riots and were ready to submit to a strong leader. The Fascists, led by Benito Mussolini exploited their fear of revolution and desire for national glory. Mussolini copied many Bolshevik practices, while denouncing their ideas.

16. Italy Mussolini had a party newspaper, a party organization, and a private army of party members known as the “Black Shirts.” In 1922, Mussolini took power after the “March on Rome.” He passed laws controlling the press; unions were abolished; strikes were outlawed. He used violence against opponents, murdering opposition leaders, and turning Italy into a totalitarian state within 3 years.

18. Notebook Assignment What factors allowed the rise of totalitarian dictators like Mussolini and Hitler?