Rise of the Dictators Class Notes Joseph Stalin

Rise of the Dictators Class Notes

Joseph Stalin 1922 -1953 Country: Soviet Union Type of Government: Communist dictatorship Personality Traits: introverted, soft spoken, screwed and calculating, meticulous planner, fierce Marxist, intimidating, terrifying, “Man of Steel” How did he take power? Began his career as a Bolshevik bank robber. Was exiled to Siberia by Csar. Propaganda claims he was at Lenin’s side during the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Lenin asked Stalin to build support for him but Stalin built up his own support. He used brutal methods. Lenin began to fear him. Stalin was supposed to share power with Trotsky. Stalin filled the government with people loyal to him. He then exiled and later killed Trotsky. How did Stalin Rule? • Crushed opponents and took control after Lenin’s death • Held absolute authority; suppressed resistance • Brought his country to world power status but imposed upon it one of the most ruthless regimes in history • New Economic Policies (NEP) • Collectivization: exported seized goods and gained enough capital to finance a massive industrialization drive • Rapid industrialization: three 5 -year plans • The Great Purges: KGB = secret police killed thousands of army officers and prominent Bolsheviks who opposed Stalin • Ruled USSR during WW 2 and the start of the Cold War

Benito Mussolini 1925 -1945 Country: Italy Type of Government: Fascism (dictatorship) Personality Traits: hyperactive, energetic, charismatic, determined, man of action, impulsive, strong physically How did he take power? People in Italy were disappointed with the Treaty of Versailles. Felt Italy should have gotten more land. Italy was dealing with a weak economy. Many in Italy fears a communist take over. Mussolini promised to rebuild the Roman Empire and fix problems. His “Blackshirts” intimidated his rivals. They were violent but had the support of upper class. Mussolini’s Blackshirts Marched on Rome and demanded the king put him in charge. Victor Emmanuel III agreed. How did Stalin Rule? He abolished democracy and political parties. Centralized all power in himself as leader • Ambition to restore the glory of Rome • Invasion of Ethiopia • Alliance with Hitler’s Germany and Axis Powers • Crushed opposition • Made the trains run on time Il Duce • Overthrown during World War II and executed by his people

Francisco Franco 1939 -1975 Country: Spain Type of Government: Fascism (dictatorship) Personality Traits: serious, short, high pitched voice, sentimental, icy cold, hated communism and Free Masons How did he take power? Communist leaders won a Spanish election 1935. Franco lead a right wing rebellion after being exiled by the new leaders. He did not want Spain to become a communist nation. He lead an army known as the “Nationalists” during the “Spanish Civil War. ” The Spanish Civil War was brutal and bloody. He marched his army on Madrid. He received military aid from Germany and Italy to crush the communist forces. Franco became a Fascist dictator. How did Franco Rule? - kept right wing groups together - Played both sides during WWII & kept Spain neutral. He favored the Axis but was receiving $$ from Allies - Skillfully held onto power until his natural death - Executed tens of thousands

Emperor Hirohito 1901 -1954 Country: Japan Type of Government: Militarism Personality Traits: small, shy, awkward, passive, weak How did he take power? 124 th emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession handed down from one generation to the next. How did Hirohito Rule? • As a figurehead – Did not even speak to the people – rule by tradition • Emperor Hirohito could not stand up to the powerful generals, but he was worshipped by the people, who often fought in his name • Though Japan had an emperor, the military had taken control of the government • Tojo ruled – Samurai traditions • Industrialization of Japan, lending to a drive for raw materials – how do you get raw materials? IMPERIALISM • Invasion of Korea, Manchuria, South East Asia, and the rest of China • Attack on Pearl Harbor! • World War II in the Pacific Hideki Tojo, Military Leader of Japan • Surrendered after Atomic Bombs and allowed to remain in power as a figurehead

Vladimir Lenon 1917 -1924 Country: Soviet Union Type of Government: Communist Dictatorship Please see your Czar to USSR assignment for details