Fascism Rises In Europe Fascism A political movement

Fascism Rises In Europe

Fascism • A political movement that promotes an extreme form of nationalism, a denial of individual rights and freedoms, and a one-party dictatorial rule. – Latin: Fasces = bundle of wooden rods tied around an axe handle • Used as a symbol of authority in Ancient Rome

Fascism: Key points • Nationalism – Supreme loyalty to the state • The nation must struggle – Peaceful nations were doomed to fail • Pledged unconditional loyalty to supreme dictator • Embrace expansionism • Aggressive towards communist and democratic ideals • Use of terrorism and scare tactics as a means of obtaining public support

Fascism vs. Communism • Similarities: – – One party, authoritarian rule or dictatorship Denial of individual rights Supremacy of the state Complete absence of democratic ideals • Differences: Communism sought classless society Fascists rely on class function Communism claimed to be struggle of the “working class” Fascist regimes led by aristocratic industrialists, wealthy and upper to middle class citizens – Communist tend to be internationalists – global revolution – Fascists tend to be nationalists – focus on individual nation – –

Mussolini's Rise to Power • No Trust in International Relations – Did not trust the Paris Peace Conference ending WWI (though not negatively impacted by T. O. V like Germany) • Economic Uncertainty – Rising inflation – Unemployment • Disunity and Disappointment in Political Leaders – Upper and middle class fear of Communist revolution – Nation frustrated with democratic government

Mussolini • Served in WWI – Spent 9 months in trenches • Became newspaper editor and politician • Founded Italian Fascist Party in 1919 – Focused on national unity despite class differences within society • Gains popular support throughout country as economic conditions worsen • March on Rome, 1922 – 30, 000 Fascists demanded that King Emmanuel III install Mussolini into power – At the risk of complete revolution (Communist and Fascist), Emmanuel III allows Mussolini into power as Prime Minister

Mussolini Builds an Empire • Inspired by lack of action by League of Nations over Japanese aggression in Manchuria, Mussolini looks to expand empire. • Mussolini desires African Empire like Britain and France • Ethiopia – One of Africa’s 4 remaining independent nations • Defeated Italy in 1890’s • Mussolini orders massive invasion to avenge prior defeat and gain Ethiopia as its African colony • Ethiopia pleas to League of Nations – League does nothing, allows Italy to colonize Ethiopia