Chapter 23 Section 1 The Rise of Militarism

Mussolini in Italy Benito Mussolini wanted to destroy the Communist Party and promote his own rise to power. In 1921, Mussolini founded the Fascist Party. His army was called the Blackshirts, because they wore black uniforms.

The Fascist Party Fascists believed that a military- dominated government should control all aspects of society.

Franco in Spain Francisco Franco led a fascist army to overthrow the Spanish government in This began the Spanish Civil War between Fascists and Loyalists. After 3 years of fighting Franco took control of the government.

Stalin in the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin used underhand tactics and even organized the assassination of his enemies to rise to power in the USSR. Stalin turned the Soviet Union into a Totalitarian state – a country where the government is in complete control. He and his powerful Red Army crushed all opposition. Historians estimate that as many as 30 million people may have died as a result of his policies.

The Popular Front An International group of organizations united against fascism. The term “Popular Front” was coined by Joseph Stalin. Stalin declared that communism and fascism were incompatible. His efforts encouraged many non- communist nations to oppose fascism.

Militarists in Japan During the 1920’s, Japan’s military forces had gained power and wanted to reduce the influence of Western countries. Japan wanted to expand and build an empire. Creating a Japanese empire would give Japan control over the natural resources of East Asia and the Pacific.

Hitler in Germany Germany lost power and was in a depression after WWI. Adolf Hitler (A corporal in WWI) forms the National Socialist Party –aka- Nazi Party during the 1920’s. In 1923 Hitler is sentenced to five years in prison for leading the Nazis' unsuccessful "Beer Hall Putsch" in the German state of Bavaria. (He only served 9 months) In prison, he wrote his book “Mein Kampf” (My Struggle). He wanted to restore Germany’s power and blamed Jews, Communists, and intellectuals for the decline.