Rise of Dictators

Italy: Benito Mussolini

Germany: Adolf Hitler
USSR: Josef Stalin
How did the world feel after WWI?
 FASCISM
• What is Fascism?
– Rule of a people by dictatorial government
that is nationalistic and imperialistic.
 Rise of Fascism
State control of economy
Strict discipline
Rule by dictator
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Government control of news

Use of violence and terror

Strong military
 Post WWI Italy
• Dissatisfaction and Unrest
– Italians not happy with their territories in the
Treaty of Versailles
– Chaos and disorder across the country
– Government (King) cannot solve crisis.
• Mussolini Takes Power
– Creates the Fascist Party in 1919
– Pledges to return Italy to greatness
– Marches on Rome (King finally gives him
power)
– Becomes dictator
– Glorifies the state at the expense of the
citizen (TOTALITARIAN)
– His government becomes to model for
others…Hitler and Stalin!
 Germany After WWI
• Under the Weimar Republic
– Blamed for Versailles Treaty
– Economic Crisis
– Hyper Inflation
– Great Depression of 1929 cripples economy
– Demand for change brings about new cultural
movements (Nazis).
 Rise of Nazi Party
• While in prison, a WWI Vet and local trouble
maker (Hitler) writes Mein Kampf.
• Hitler’s ideas are rooted in anti-Semitism
and beliefs of a master Aryan race.
• Nazi Party membership grows
• Hitler promises to end reparations, create
jobs, and re-arm Germany (What does this
violate?)
• Hitler elected Chancellor in 1933.
 Nazi Rule
• Totalitarian State
• Hitler’s policies bring Germany out
of depression.
• Beloved by the people.
• Nazi ideas are spread to the youth.
(See Clips from Master Race)
• Nuremburg Laws/Kristallnacht
(Violence against Jews)
Cats that look like Hitler…

Kitler?