Fascism, Nazism, and the Origins of World War II
The Discrediting of Freedom: Fascism and the Road to War
The dictatorships and political problems of fascism in the interwar period stemmed from the dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles. The exaggerated reparations imposed on Germany fostered a sense of humiliation among Germans. While a minority prospered during the war, many former combatants felt uncompensated for their sacrifices, leading to widespread poverty. Disillusionment with parliamentary democracy grew, and people sought alternatives.
This environment fueled support for Communist parties and unions, as well as a new totalitarian, illiberal, anti-Marxist, and nationalistic political and social model.
Italian Fascism (1922-1945)
Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist movement, Fascio Italiana di Combattimento, in 1919. It attracted those affected by the economic crisis, who engaged in boycotting strikes and violence against the left. This movement evolved into the Fascist Nationalist Party. In 1922, King Victor Emmanuel III entrusted the government to Mussolini after the Fascists staged the March on Rome.
Fascism was characterized by an irrational ideology based on violence, the exaltation of the nation, and blind faith in the leader. Mussolini implemented an internal policy based on autarky, maximizing the use of the country’s resources and minimizing imports. Externally, he pursued an aggressive imperialist policy, exemplified by the conquest of Libya, Ethiopia, and Albania.
German Nazism
In 1919, the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi) was founded in Germany. Adolf Hitler presided over this party and was proclaimed Führer. The economic crisis strengthened extremist parties, including the Communists and Nazis. The Nazi party was organized militarily and practiced street violence against leftist organizations. Fueled by racist prejudices, the Nazis blamed Jews for Germany’s problems. In 1932, the party achieved significant electoral success, and Marshal Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor.
The Second World War
World War II began on September 1, 1939, and lasted until September 1945.
Causes of the War
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, while the Soviets simultaneously invaded under a secret pact. The United Kingdom and France threatened to declare war on Germany if it did not withdraw within 48 hours. This was the immediate trigger for World War II. However, the underlying causes were more complex and can be categorized into four groups:
- Psychological Causes: The collective humiliation felt by Germans due to the Treaty of Versailles created a desire for revenge among certain segments of the population.
- Ideological Causes: The Nazis believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and asserted their need and right to occupy Lebensraum (living space).
- International Causes: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party prepared for war from the moment they gained power, leading to the militarization of society, particularly among the youth. Furthermore, neither the French nor the English took effective action to oppose this, despite being aware of it.
- Social and Economic Causes: The economic crisis of the 1930s led to the impoverishment of the middle classes, high unemployment, and widespread uncertainty.
Summary of the Second World War
- More than 55 million soldiers and 33 million civilians died.
- Europe suffered extensive material destruction.
- The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as hegemonic powers after 1945.
- The use of the atomic bomb on Japan ushered humanity into the nuclear age.