Leading Into World War II

The 1920’s and 1930’s rise of dictators in the Soviet Union, Italy, Germany, & Spain

And meanwhile in Europe… 1936 Nuremburg Party Rally

Adolf Hitler leads 180,000 in an “Oath to Germany” Banners, flags, spotlights, stages Grand spectacles essential to building power

Totalitarian Government Totalitarian rule-

exerting total control over a nation dominates every aspect of life in that country power derived from the destruction of individuals those who disagree are silenced, beaten, killed

Fascism Fascism-

system of government marked by stringent social and economic control, a strong, centralized government usually headed by a dictator, and often a policy of belligerent nationalism

emphasizes the importance of a nation, or ethnic group, and the supreme authority of a leader

Fascist Dictators Adolf Hitler (Germany) Benito Mussolini (Italy)

Communism Communism-

A system of government based on the idea that all goods and land are owned by the society as a whole. The good of the community is placed above the good of the individual.

Although they share some similarities, communist and fascist leaders have historically been enemies

Leading into World War II

The 1920’s and 1930’s rise of dictators in the Soviet Union, Italy, Germany, & Spain

UNIT: “WORLD CONFLICTS” ESSENTIAL QUESTION- How did the

United States Rise to World Power? UNIT OBJECTIVES: Identify and explain

key events in the European Front LEARNING GOAL: Identify how the United

States rose to global dominance.

Meet the Dictators

Soviet Union

Joseph Stalin Took over after Lenin died

(Lenin more moderate, NEP) 1924 “One great leap forward” a vicious brand of communism, reworked economy Like fascism, communism relies on a strong dictator, and

does not represent or preserve individual rights or freedoms

Stalin’s Economic Plan “Collectivization campaign” 5 year plan

Convert small family farms to huge, gov’t controlled plots

Belligerent Nationalism Faced with resistance, Stalin reacted:

forcing the poor off their lands confiscating the food they produced Sending millions to labor camps in Siberia

Agricultural production fell, forced rationing

Stalin’s Economic Plan (cont.) Also pursued rapid industrialization

Assigned millions of laborers from rural areas to build and run new industrial centers

All government money flowed into goods like: Iron, steel, oil, and coal… not into housing clothing,

consumer goods Resulted in shortages of essential products Standard of living plummeted

Despite troubles, by 1940, Stalin was successful The Soviet Union was a modern industrial power

Stalin’s Reign of Terror Political Domination via purges

“Purified” the Communist Party by removing opponents and anyone else he believed to be a threat to his power or ideas

Great Purge of 1939 Stalin’s agents arrested >7 million people >1 million executed, millions of others in camps Purges successfully eliminated any resistance

Fascism in Italy

Benito Mussolini “Il Duce,” the leader Fought and injured in WWI Believed the Versailles treaty deprived Italy Charismatic speaker, found supporters Formed the revolutionary Fascist party, 1919

Fascism in Italy Organized gangs of fascists

developed around Italy Vowed to end Italy’s economic problems Blackshirts – thugs who control the opposition

By 1922, Mussolini had built so much power, he threatened to march on Rome The king of Italy panicked and appointed him prime minister

Fascism in Italy

Goal 1: to improve economic conditions suspended elections, outlawed other political parties Established a dictatorship Firm control improved Italy’s economy

Other European nations commend him!

Fascism in Italy

Goal 2: to build an empire Dreams of a new Roman empire Fascist slogan: “A country is nothing without conquest”

1935, Italy invades Ethiopia Overpowered Ethiopian resistance Ethiopian emperor fled

Other European nations horrified!

Hitler’s Rise to Power

Austrian, wounded in WWI

Furious with Germany’s part in the Versailles treaty Stripped Germany of land and colonies Huge burden of debt for war damage in Fr, Bel, GB War-guilt clause which blamed Germany for starting WWI

The Nazi Party

1919, Hitler joins the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi Party Fascism with German Nationalism and Racial Superiority

Hitler becomes leader of Nazi Party Powerful, fanatical public speaker Focus on German’s national humiliation drew support

Failed attempt to overthrow German Gov’t Hitler imprisoned, authors “Mein Kampf”

“Mein Kampf” “My Struggle,” composed in prison

Outlined Nazi philosophy His views on Germany’s problems

Blamed minorities for weakening Germany Notably, Jewish

Called for purification of the Aryan Race Removal of undesirable races = mass extermination / genocide

Nazi Propaganda

““White collar and manual workers of our people, White collar and manual workers of our people, you alone have to suffer the consequences of you alone have to suffer the consequences of this unheard-of treaty. Come and protest this unheard-of treaty. Come and protest against Germany being burdened with the war against Germany being burdened with the war guilt. Protest against the peace treaty of guilt. Protest against the peace treaty of Versailles which has been forced upon us…”Versailles which has been forced upon us…” -Nazi poster, Berlin, Germany, 1921-Nazi poster, Berlin, Germany, 1921

Germany turns to Hitler Great Depression hits Germany, 1930’s Nazi Party promises

National respect economic stabilization restored empire

1930 elections, Hitler loses to Paul von Hindenburg Hindenburg makes Hitler chancellor, head of German gov’t

Hitler as chancellor Ends freedom of speech, Violently silences critics using brownshirts, Nazi thugs

Hitler takes over German parliament burns down

Hitler blames communists Nazi party gains the majority Approved to pass a bill which would give

the Chancellor dictatorial powers

Hindenburg dies 1934

Hitler becomes both chancellor and president Calls himself “Der Fuhrer,” the leader

Please re-create the chart in your notebook.

Year

Leader

Supporters

Postwar Problems

Reasons for Public Support

Germany

Year 1932

Leader Adolf Hitler – “Mein Kampf”

Supporters Nazi Party – “brownshirts”

Postwar Problems Hit by DepressionPeople living in poverty

Reasons for Public Support

Inflation, unemploymentEconomic depressionUnhappiness with Treaty of Versailles – appealed to citizens’ feelings of humiliation

ItalyYear 1922

Leader Benito Mussolini

Supporters Fascist Party – “blackshirts”

Postwar Problems Strikes, riotsEconomic problems

Reasons for Public Support

High unemploymentDissatisfaction with terms of Treaty of VersaillesMussolini – WWI Veteran

SpainYear 1939

Leader Francisco Franco

Supporters Fascist Party (Nationalists)

Postwar Problems Civil war – Nationalists backed by Germans; Republicans backed by SovietsLabor strikes

Reasons for Public Support

Liberal reforms in 1931 constitutionIntimidation

JapanYear 1931

Leader Military Leaders

Supporters Militarists

Postwar Problems Needed natural resources to modernize

Reasons for Public Support

Worsening economic problems

Soviet UnionYear 1924

Leader Stalin

Supporters Communists

Postwar Problems Economic failurePeople starving

Reasons for Public Support

Reign of TerrorGreat Purge