Fascism in Italy and Rise of Nazism in Germany
The Situation in Italy After World War I
How was the situation in Italy after World War I?
Italy experienced a crisis. On the one hand, the people’s situation worsened, and the country was in debt to finance the war, causing a sharp rise in prices and increased unemployment due to military demobilization.
The Rise of Fascism in Italy
Impact on Workers, Peasants, and the Upper Classes
How did this affect workers and peasants? What did the middle and upper classes fear? Which parties did they begin to support?
The peasants took over some landowners’ lands, and workers seized some factories. A large part of the population began to support extremist parties, like that of Mussolini. The upper classes feared a communist revolution.
Mussolini’s Ascent to Power
How did Mussolini gain power and resources?
By force, he organized several mass gatherings of members of his party in populations of central Italy, where they converged on Rome. The March on Rome achieved Mussolini’s goal: full powers in government.
Characteristics of Fascism
Characteristics of Fascism:
- Anti-democratic and anti-communist ideology.
- Totalitarian form of government: It was directed by a powerful leader, and individual liberties were abolished. There was only the Fascist party (there were no free elections).
- The state intervened in the economy to make it self-sufficient.
- Fierce nationalism and expansionist development.
- Cult of violence and militarism.
- The state dominated society.
The Rise of Nazism in Germany
Hitler and the Nazi Party
What party did Hitler create in 1920? What was the discontent of its members? What did Hitler attempt in 1923?
He created the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Its members were affiliated with the discontent because the new regime was not legitimate for Germany. In 1923, Hitler attempted a coup but failed.
Impact of the 1929 Crisis
Why did the crisis of 1929 affect Germany so much?
Much of the German economic upswing was due to U.S. investments. At the outbreak of the crisis, U.S. investors withdrew their capital, causing many German companies to close and increasing unemployment.
The Situation in 1932
What situation happened in 1932? Did it favor the Nazi Party?
It reached the figure of 6 million unemployed in Germany. Yes, it favored the Nazi Party because people joined and supported Hitler.
Political Reaction of the Working and Middle Classes
How did the working and middle classes react politically? Which two parties spectacularly increased their number of votes?
The Communist Party and the Nationalist Party increased their votes due to the crisis, discontent, and increased social tension.
Support for the Nazis
Why did industrialists and financiers support the Nazis? Which two parties were the most voted in 1932?
They considered it the only party capable of restoring order and protecting their interests. The Communist and Nazi parties were the most voted, but neither obtained an absolute majority.
Strategic Error of the Communists
What strategic error did the German Communists commit?
They did not associate with other parties to overcome the Nazis in the elections.
Appointment of Hitler as Chancellor
What decision did the head of the Republic take, and who pressured him to do so?
He appointed Hitler as Chancellor, under pressure from businessmen and other conservative groups.
Hitler’s Consolidation of Power
First Actions and the Meaning of “Führer”
What was the first thing Hitler did upon coming to power? What did “Führer” mean?
He outlawed all political parties. In this way, the Nazi Party controlled everything. “Führer” meant undisputed leader.
The SS and the Gestapo
What were the SS and the Gestapo? What was their function? What did they do in 1933 and 1939?
The SS was Hitler’s personal guard, composed of tens of thousands of people. The Gestapo was the secret police. They persecuted all opposition. In 1933 and 1939, they sent a million Germans to concentration camps.
Control of Media and Public Opinion
What happened to the media? Was there Nazi opposition? Why was it almost non-existent? Did all Germans support the Nazis?
The Nazis controlled all media and exalted the figure of Hitler. There was very little opposition because it was heavily persecuted, and the population was educated with Hitlerian ideals. No, but it’s hard to know how many actively supported it and how many rejected it. Those who rejected it dared not say so for fear of retribution, and some lived without addressing the situation.
Ideological Bases of German Expansionism
What two ideological bases did German expansionism have?
- Pan-Germanism: The desire that all populations of German origin in Europe should unite in one state.
- Living Space: The idea that the Aryans were entitled to conquer territories at the expense of Slavs and other “inferior” races.
Hitler’s Foreign Policy
Against which treaty did Hitler’s foreign policy go? What was the first thing they did against that treaty?
Against the Treaty of Versailles. They re-established conscription.
The Nazi Economy
How can we define the Nazi economy?
First, they worked to eliminate unemployment through many public works. Then, the objective was to support foreign policy. Autarky became the great objective. Much was invested in industry, and large private corporations supported the Nazis and benefited greatly.