Fascism: The Case for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)

WWI and the Russian Revolution have shown Russia to be industrially weak

Russia’s ability to feed itself is weak

socialism dominates politics and government

Josef Stalin (1878-1953) the “man of steel” builds

followers (apparatchiki) to dominate ruling party

all-out industrialization comes at the expense of the toiling masses (5-year plans)

slogan “socialism in one country” shows his lack of interest in world revolution

Josef Stalin (1878-1953) collectivization forces

peasants into a planned economy

totalitarianism attempts to remake society

communications and education are harnessed to support the government

purges increase Stalin’s power & eliminate opponents

Fascism: The Case of Italy food shortages and rising

prices labor problems

(strikes, unemployment) several competing parties

paralyze the government class unrest

(taxes, Bolshevik fears) national outrage at

Versailles Treaty

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) former socialist & WWI vet organized Fascist Party convinced Italians that

Fascists can save Italy (Black Shirts)

industrialists contribute to stem the tide of socialism

Italians dream of empire

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) intellectuals favor his

“philosophy of action” thousands of Fascists March

on Rome to demand power (October 1922)

King Victor Emmanuel III overestimates Mussolini’s strength & appoints him P.M.

Mussolini becomes dictator (1926)

Fascism: The Case for Germany value of the German mark

and economy collapse in the 1920s

Weimar Republic defaults on reparations from Versailles Treaty

world depression

Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)World view:

anti-Semitism hated Marxism and

democracy Social Darwinism racial nationalism importance of propaganda

Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) Rise of Nazi Party Hitler joins and becomes leader

(1919) “Beer Hall” putsch fails (1923) Hitler exploits trial for publicity &

writes Mein Kampf in jail Pres. Paul von Hindenburg appoints

Hitler chancellor (1932) Nazi Party wins control of

government (1933) Reichstag fire leads to Reichstag

granting Hitler emergency powers through Enabling Act (1933)

Fascism: The Case for Japan dictatorship is formed in the

1930s greater supplies of raw

materials are needed for their growing industries

wanted to open foreign markets for its goods

rampant nationalism

Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) worshipped as a god by his

citizens turns blind loyalty to him

into strong, passionate military and citizenry

presided over all cabinet meetings, but only gave his approval according to traditional form of government