Rise of Dictatorships

1. Rise of Dictatorships

2. As North America struggled with the Great Depression, other countries, especially in Europe, struggled with political upheaval: • Most European economies had not recovered from WWI • High unemployment, food shortages, crime… • Some saw Communism as the answer their political and economic problems • Others wanted a strong military or Fascist government to restore law and order • Result? Rise of leaders who became Dictators who suppressed all opposition

3. Soviet Union (Russia) • Leader = Josef Stalin – he took over from Lenin and was ruthless and cruel – Stalin’s “purges” • Became a “totalitarian state” • His economic and agricultural policies led to the death of millions of Russians

4. Italy • Leader – Benito Mussolini (“Il Duce”) • Became a Facist state that opposed all democracy • Nationalistic and relied on the military and secret police to maintain absolute control, including control of media and the use of propaganda to spread their ideals

5. Spain • Leader – General Francisco Franco • Facist leader who had attacked the Spanish government and caused a Civil War vs. the elected govt. • Anti-Facists (including 1200 Cdns. who formed the “Mackenzie-PapineauBatallion”) fought against Franco • Franco had the military support of Hitler and Mussolini

6. Germany • Leader = Adolf Hitler (“der Fuhrer”) • He and his Nazi Party were elected in 1933 and he became Chancellor of Germany – he abolished all other political parties and unions • They claimed they had the solutions to bring Germany out of the Great Depression and restore its glory - resented the “war guilt clause” and paying reparations for damages • Hitler ruled as a ruthless dictator with intimidation, fear and racism