Depression Europe after WWI Worldwide depression Why Economies

Depression

Europe after WWI § World-wide depression (Why? ) - Economies of the world are connected - Debt from WWI/German gov’t weak - Many couldn’t afford to buy goods= overproduction, layoffs, inflation - Stock Market Crash (1929) in the USA - USA stops loans to foreign countries

Effects of the depression ► Unemployment (25% in the USA) ► People lost land, money & stocks ► German inflation (Marks became worthless) ► Democratic governments started social programs ► Social unrest- people lost everything ► Fascists promised to fix the economy and restore national pride

► *July Inflation in Germany 1914 4. 2 marks to the dollar ► *July 1919 14. 0 ► *January 1920 64. 8 ► *January 1922 191. 8 ► *July 1922 493. 2 ► *January 1923 17, 972. 0 ► *July 1923 353, 412 ► *August 1923 4, 620, 455 ► *September 1923 98, 860, 000 ► *October 1923 25, 260, 208, 000 ► * November 15, 1923 4, 200, 000, 000

Fascism in Europe

What is Fascism? ► Total obedience to one leader. ► Rulers often gain control by convincing people that there is a problem that only the leader can solve. ► Leaders use nationalism, propaganda, and violent force to stay in control.

Italy After WWI ► After WWI, Italians were angry about not gaining land scared of communist revolution. ► The democratic government appeared weak in handling inflation and unemployment.

Mussolini in Italy ► Benito Mussolini promised to make Italy strong by building an army and fixing the economy. ► In 1922, 30, 000 Fascist supporters demanded that Mussolini be put into power, and the king agreed.

Il Duce (The Leader) ► Mussolini became the leader and outlawed all political parties except the Fascists. ► How he secured his leadership: § Secret police jailed his opponents § Radio and newspapers were censored § Outlawed strikes and labor unions § Nationalism

The Power of Speech “All great world-shattering events have Been brought about…. By the spoken word! “ ~Adolf Hitler~

Rise of the Nazis ► The Nazi Political party believed that the Treaty of Versailles should be overturned and that communism was dangerous.

Adolf Hitler ► Born artist 1889, high school drop out, failed ► Fought in WWI and won 2 Iron Cross awards for bravery ► Joined the Nazis in 1920 and quickly became known for speaking ability

Mein Kampf (My Struggle) ► 1923, Hitler tried to take over the government but failed and was arrested for treason. ► Served 9 months in prison during which he wrote Mein Kampf, a book that was a blueprint for his takeover of Germany.

Hitler’s Beliefs ► Hitler’s beliefs: § Germans, especially “Aryans”, people with blonde hair and blue eyes were the master race § Believed Jews, Slavs, and Gypsies were subhuman § Germans needed to regain lands lost by Treaty of Versailles § Germany was overcrowded and needed lebenstraum (living space)= leads to the relocation of Jews.

Hitler Gets Power ► 1932, America stopped loans to Germany, 30% of Germans were unemployed, and inflation caused starvation ► Frightened and upset, Germans wanted a strong leader and Hitler became Chancellor (1933) ► The SS (Protection squad) was formed and murdered Hitler’s enemies. Hitler Youth was established. ► Hitler (The Fuhrer) created a totalitarian government