The Rise of Dictators 1919-1939

The Rise of Dictators 1919-1939 WWI + Great Depression = Desperate people People of Europe trade Freedom for Security.*

Soviet Union • 1924 – Lenin dies / power struggle between Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin

1929 – Stalin wins and is in control!

Soviet Union (cont.) • 5 Year Plan – Modernize the Soviet Union Govt. controls all industry and agriculture. Farmers must give all crops to govt. / Drastic effects in Ukraine

Soviet Union (cont.) • Great Purge – Stalin was a paranoid psychopath!! – Stalin kills all those who oppose him. – military officers above the rank of captain because he fears his military.

• 1936-1938- many people disappear or are sent to labor camps 20 Million – Death toll under Stalin’s leadership!!

Japan • 1920s – economic collapse = frustration •Military takes control of government.

Japan (cont.) • 1931 – Japan invades Manchuria (northern China) which is rich in natural resources. •League of Nations condemns Japan / Japan’s response – drop out of the League •China at the time in the middle of a civil war between the Nationalists (Chiang Kai-Shek) and the Communists (Mao Zedong)

Japan (cont.) • 1937 – Japan begins full invasion of China and captures the capital city of Nanjing. • Japanese soldiers commit horrible acts of violence/rape in Nanjing.

The Japanese Invasion of China, 1937 Rape of Nanking

Italy • 1920s – economic frustration 1919 – Benito Mussolini creates the Fascist Party •Gains support by making promises •Uses fear/violence (Blackshirts) to eliminate all opponents

Definition of Fascism Fascism is the totalitarian philosophy of government that glorifies the state and nation and assigns to the state control over every aspect of national life.

Definition of Fascism The State not only is authority which governs and molds individual will with laws and values of spiritual life, but it is also power which makes its will prevail abroad…

Enciclopedia Italiana, 1932.

Fascist Rise in Post-WW I Italy Hundreds of new fascist groups developed throughout Italy in response  “Black Shirts” [paramilitary squadriste] violently attacked the Socialists.

The Fasces Symbol Comes from the Latin word fasces. In ancient Rome, the fasces were cylindrical bundles of wooden rods, tied tightly together around an axe. They symbolize unity and power.

The Myth of Rebirth Emphasis on a national or racial rebirth after a period of decline or destruction.

Calls for a “spiritual revolution” against signs of moral decay [such as individualism and materialism]. Seeks to purge “alien” forces and groups that threaten the organic community.

Italy (cont.) • 1922 – threatens March on Rome / King fears Mussolini and agrees to make him prime minister 1925 – “Il Duce” – Mussolini declares himself dictator •

•He does fix many of the problems BUT he takes away all freedoms of the people. •Promises being kept keep the people happy.

Italy (cont.) • 1935 – Italy takes over Ethiopia / League of Nations condemns Italy / Mussolini ignores the League.

Militarism

Mussolini Was Hitler’s Role Model

Why is Germany in the worst shape after WWI?

• Economic Problems • People angry over Treaty of Versailles

The German Mark

The German Mark

Germany • 1919 – Weimar Republic (new democracy) is too weak to deal with problems 1919 – Adolf Hitler joins the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (Nazis) 1920 – Hitler is the leader of the Nazis

Germany (cont.) • 1923 Beerhall Putsch – Nazis try to seize power in the city of Munich / fails / Hitler arrested, tried, found guilty of treason……but isn’t executed!!!

Hitler gets a 5 year sentence!!!

Germany (cont.) • While in jail, Hitler writes Mein Kampf (My Struggle) laying out his plans. •Wants to be the Fuhrer (leader) •Wants to create Lebensraum (living space) for the German people •Anti-Semitic message

Germany (cont.) • 1924 – Hitler released early. -becomes popular by making promises -Communists are also rising in power / govt. is more afraid of them than the Nazis. 1933 – Nazis win many elections throughout Germany / Hitler named Chancellor

Germany (cont.) • 1934 – Hitler declares himself Fuhrer (dictator)

Germany (cont.) • Once in power: • Proclaims German power (nationalism). • Rejects the Treaty of Versailles. •Builds up an army (SS troops) to maintain power and a police force (Gestapo) to eliminate all opponents. •Creates jobs to solve economic problems •Creates youth programs (Hitler Youth) to mold young boys and girls into good little Nazis.