1. The Rise of Fascism
LG 5: Describe the characteristics of totalitarianism and fascism and explain how Mussolini and Hitler came to power.

2. Totalitarianism
Form of government based on an ideology of total control by the ruler or ruling party.
Goal is to control all aspects of public and private life

3. Characteristics of Totalitarianism
Personal freedoms are limited through the use of secret police, censorship, and propaganda.
Society’s resources and the means of production are controlled by the state
Fascism and communism are examples of totalitarian systems, however, historically the two are hostile to one another.

4. Historical Origins Fascism started in Italy in 1919 under Benito Mussolini and survived until he was deposed during WWII. The harsh peace imposed after WWI also contributed to the appeal of fascism in Germany. Fascism: Definition
A type of totalitarian government based on a militaristic political ideology that promotes extreme loyalty to the state and is characterized by centralized dictatorial leadership and complete control of all aspects of life by the government.

5. Characteristics of Fascism
Fascist leaders exploit social difference to maintain power; minorities and dissenters are often persecuted if they speak out.
Fascism and Nazism are characterized by strong nationalist feelings
Fascism is usually ruled by a dictator

6. Emergence of Totalitarianism: Italy
Economy was weak due to WWI and global depression
Discontent arose due to unemployment and fear of communism
Benito Mussolini sought to unite Italians under fascism and became prime minister in 1922

7. Italy cont.
Mussolini unified various nationalist groups under the idea of creating a strong Italy
Once in power, Mussolini crushed all opposition and took control of all aspects of life within Italy with the help of his “Black Shirts”
Mussolini was convinced that Italy needed a colony in order to become a world empire- in he invaded and conquered Ethiopia
Mussolini in action:

8. Benito Mussolini
Founder of Fascism and leader of Italy from
Allied with Nazi Germany and Japan in WWII

9. Emergence of Totalitarianism: Germany
The harsh peace imposed after World War I made fascism appealing in Germany
Adolf Hitler became its leading spokesman through the National Socialist (Nazi) Party.
By 1934 Hitler was effectively dictator of Germany

10. Germany Cont. Once Hitler rose to power, he began to remove opposition
The Gestapo and SS (Schutzstaffeln) combined to police Germany
Hitler and the SS worked to create a German Reich in central Europe with the goal of extending control of territory worldwide
Hitler united the people of Germany by the repression of minority groups that were “polluting” the German nation

11. Adolf Hitler
Appointed himself fuehrer in 1934 in Germany and began to remove opposition and threats**
Hitler then invaded Soviet Union in 1941
Launched “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” in 1942
He committed suicide in a bunker in Berlin at end of WWII
As many as 50 million died as a result of Hitler’s actions

12. Hideki Tojo Japanese prime minister during WWII
Held extreme right-wing views and supporter of Nazi Germany
Ordered attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, and officially brought US into WWII
After fall of Saipan in July 1944, he resigned from office and tried to commit suicide before being arrested by the US in 1945
Survived, nursed backed to health, tried as war criminal, executed in Dec. 1948

13. Becoming a Fascist Dictator
Both Hitler and Mussolini rose to power by promoting nationalism, territorial expansion, and racial unity
They became popular by delivering charismatic speeches that played on public fears and sympathies
To better understand how they rose to power, we will be watching and analyzing some of their speeches.

14. Need to write at least 3 things per speech to share with the class
Famous Speeches:
As we watch the videos below write down things you notice about how each dictator speaks and appeals to the crowd.
Need to write at least 3 things per speech to share with the class
Mussolini:
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Hitler, compilation of speeches:
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