1. Fascism Rises In Europe

2. Fascism
A political movement that promotes an extreme form of nationalism, a denial of individual rights and freedoms, and a one-party dictatorial rule.
Latin: Fasces = bundle of wooden rods tied around an axe handle
Used as a symbol of authority in Ancient Rome

3. Fascism: Key points Nationalism The nation must struggle
Supreme loyalty to the state
The nation must struggle
Peaceful nations were doomed to fail
Pledged unconditional loyalty to supreme dictator
Embrace expansionism
Aggressive towards communist and democratic ideals
Use of terrorism and scare tactics as a means of obtaining public support

4. Fascism vs. Communism Similarities: Differences:
One party, authoritarian rule or dictatorship
Denial of individual rights
Supremacy of the state
Complete absence of democratic ideals
Differences:
Communism sought classless society
Fascists rely on class function
Communism claimed to be struggle of the “working class”
Fascist regimes led by aristocratic industrialists, wealthy and upper to middle class citizens
Communist tend to be internationalists – global revolution
Fascists tend to be nationalists – focus on individual nation

5. Mussolini's Rise to Power
No Trust in International Relations
Did not trust the Paris Peace Conference ending WWI (though not negatively impacted by T.O.V like Germany)
Economic Uncertainty
Rising inflation
Unemployment
Disunity and Disappointment in Political Leaders
Upper and middle class fear of Communist revolution
Nation frustrated with democratic government

6. Mussolini Served in WWI Became newspaper editor and politician
Spent 9 months in trenches
Became newspaper editor and politician
Founded Italian Fascist Party in 1919
Focused on national unity despite class differences within society
Gains popular support throughout country as economic conditions worsen
March on Rome, 1922
30,000 Fascists demanded that King Emmanuel III install Mussolini into power
At the risk of complete revolution (Communist and Fascist), Emmanuel III allows Mussolini into power as Prime Minister

7. Mussolini Builds an Empire
Inspired by lack of action by League of Nations over Japanese aggression in Manchuria, Mussolini looks to expand empire.
Mussolini desires African Empire like Britain and France
Ethiopia
One of Africa’s 4 remaining independent nations
Defeated Italy in 1890’s
Mussolini orders massive invasion to avenge prior defeat and gain Ethiopia as its African colony
Ethiopia pleas to League of Nations
League does nothing, allows Italy to colonize Ethiopia