1. World War II
The Rise of Dictators

2. 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

3. 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 – Tojo )

4. Fascism
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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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 conservative people of Italy

9. 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

10. Mussolini in Power
Nov 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Adolf Hitler The Early Years
Born April 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.

14. 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

15. 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 over 100,000 dedicated followers

16. 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

17. Hitler the Politician
Business and military thought they could use Hitler
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

18. Hitler Tightens control
Outlawed the Communist Party
March 23, 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

19. 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

20. 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 the standard of living slowly improved while profits rose sharply

21. 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 and Social Democrats resisted, then the Catholics and Protestant churches
But as he gained more power dissent decreased