World War II The Rise of Dictators Causes

World War II The Rise of Dictators

Causes of the war Rise of Dictators Impact of Depression Harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles Militarism and Imperialism German Aggression Policy of Appeasement

Rise of Dictators Soviet Union – See notes on Joseph Stalin and the Communist Party. Italy – Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party Germany – Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party Japan – Emperor Hirohito (and military

Fascism: A system of Government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. Comes from the Latin fasces -a symbol of the ancient Roman empire

Rise of Fascism in Europe World Depression Disappointment with treaty of Versailles Threat of spread of Communism Disappointment at the lack of democratic governments to function efficiently.

Fascism Fascist governments stress glorification of the state. Unlike communism they support private ownership under strict governmental control Fascists are also anti-Communist and anti-democratic and anti-Semitic. Do not allow multiple parties, democracy or criticism. Often deprive people of human rights. Very aggressive and militaristic. These governments developed in both Italy and Germany after WWI.

Fascism in Italy Conditions that led to the rise of Mussolini – Not given territories they in WWI – Parliamentary system not working well – 1919 -21 labor unrest with many strikes – government could not stop.

Mussolini’s Rise to Power 1919 Mussolini formed the Fascist party (Il Duce) No consistent political view – focused on his own career Formed local parties to deal with problems of Italy – Terrorized socialist supporters – Attacked strikers – Protected strikebreakers Results pleased most middle class and

Mussolini’s Rise to Power Mussolini’s party gained power in most northern governments. Support growing 1922 Marched on Rome in Black Shirts – Intimidated King Victor Emmanuel II – did not send army to stop – Cabinet resigned in protest – Oct 29, 1922 he is appointed prime minister – Appears a leage assumption of power, but not the case

Mussolini in Power Nov 23 1922 Mussolini given dictatorial authority for 1 year 1924 He changed election law – Parties had been represent in proportion of the popular vote, now party that gained the largest popular vote got 2/3 of the seats in the chamber All other political parties were banned in 26 and Italy was transformed into a dictatorial state.

Il Duce Sought to return to the former glory days of the Roman Empire Set out upon a course of militarism and aggression against countries in Africa although not successful at first.

Adolf Hitler " This war. . . is one of those elemental conflicts which usher in a new millennium and which shake the world. " Hitler, in speech to the Reichstag, 1942

Adolf Hitler The Early Years Born April 20 1889 in Austria Poor student dropped out at 14. Served in WWI and was awarded the Iron Cross and other medals but never rose above the rank of corporal. German defeat shattered Hitler.

German Worker’s Party 1919 joined extremist German Worker’s Party. By 1921 Hitler had gained control At mass rallies he criticized: a) Versailles Treaty b) Jews c) war profiteers d) Germany’s Weimer Republic

Beer Hall Putsch 1923 Hitler tried to overthrow Weimer republic. The uprising was crushed by police. Hitler was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison (served 9 months) where he Wrote Mein Kampf (my struggle) – the outline of his theories and political programs for the Third Reich. Hitler gained enormous publicity and support By 1929 over 100, 000 dedicated followers

Impact of the Depression 1932 , 43% unemployment. Hitler began promising economic, military, and political salvation. This message appealed to two major groups: i) Big business - promised to break the unions ii) Army leaders - promising to overturn the Versailles Treaty The Nazis also appealed to the youth In the 1930 elections Nazis came second to the Social Democrats 1932 the Nazis lead the Reichstag

Hitler the Politician Business and military thought they could use Hitler demanded to be made chancellor. Other parties believed they could control him so on January 30, 1933 Hitler was made chancellor Hitler called for new elections and restricted his opponents. Blaming the communists for burning the Reichstag building, he convinced Hindenburg to sign a dictatorial emergency act

Hitler Tightens control Outlawed the Communist Party March 23, 1933 - Enabling Act passed, giving Hitler dictatorial power for 4 years Germany became a one-party state Strikes were outlawed, unions banned Publishing houses were under Nazi control Universities were brought into line Only the army retained independence

Persecution Hitler’s personal guard the SS rounded up thousands of opponents. Army swore an “oath of allegiance of unquestioning obedience. . . to the leader of the German State and People, Adolf Hitler” Jews were the main object of persecution By 1935 most professional Jews had lost their jobs In 1935 Nuremberg Laws deprived Jews of citizenship (1 Jewish Grandparent) Kristallnacht - Nov 9, 1938

Economic Improvements Hitler delivered on his promises of “work and bread” and launched a massive public works program 1936 Germany began rearming and spending on the military increased By 1938 there was a shortage of workers, women began working in the factories Between 1932 -38 the standard of living slowly improved while profits rose sharply

Hitler’s Popularity Most people believed Hitler was the savior The Nazi elite were often poorly uneducated dropouts, like Hitler Few historians believe Hitler created a real social revolution Many opposed Hitler but they were arrested and often killed or locked in concentration camps Initially Communists and Social Democrats resisted, then the Catholics and Protestant churches But as he gained more power dissent decreased