Download The Rise of Fascism

The Rise of Fascism
After World War I, Italy and Germany experienced many problems. Their economies were suffering
after the war and unemployment was high. These conditions led to the development of fascist
governments in Italy and Germany. Fascism is a totalitarian political system in which one person has
total control over the government and lives of the people. There are many common qualities of fascist
rule, including:
 Extreme nationalism (extreme loyalty and pride in their country/people)
 Imperialistic (seek to take over other land for their own benefit)
 Censorship and government control of news
 Use of violence and terror to control people
 A strong military
 Blind loyalty to the leader on the part of the people
Directions: Why are Mussolini and Hitler considered to be fascist rulers? Use the information below
to complete the chart. Email your work to [email protected].
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Fascism in Italy: Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini emerged as a fascist leader in Italy. He took advantage of
problems after World War I, pledging to solve the nation’s problems and
strengthen Italy. Mussolini promised to end unemployment and gain more land
for Italy. He also vowed to outlaw rebellion among workers and stamp out all
threats of Communism. In 1922, the Fascists used force and terror to gain
control of Italy. They ended free elections, free speech, and the free press. They
killed or jailed their enemies. Grasping desperately for order, Italians put the
goals of the state above their individual rights.
Why is Mussolini considered to be a fascist? Use at least 5 pieces of evidence from the reading to
support your answer.
Fascism in Germany: Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler emerged a fascist leader in Germany. The Treaty of
Versailles had placed all of the blame for World War I on Germany.
Because of this they were required to pay large sums of money
(reparations) to the Allied powers to pay for war damages. This
had an extremely negative impact on the German economy and
pride.
The Weimar Republic, the new democratic government established after World War I, was blamed for
accepting the Treaty of Versailles. Taking advantage of the weakness of the government, Adolf Hitler
promis ed to provide jobs and rebuild German pride. He stated that the Germans were a superior race
who were destined to build a new empire. In 1920, he headed the Nazi Party, which continued to
grow. In 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor.
Hitler’s Germany, called the Third Reich, was a totalitarian state. He built a one-party government,
ended civil rights, silenced his enemies with force, put businesses under government control, and
employed many people in large public works programs. Germany’s standard of living rose. Hitler
violated the Treaty of Versailles and rebuilt his military.
Hitler used the Jews as a scapegoat for Germany’s problems. He instituted anti-Semitic policies. He
used education and the arts as propaganda tools to push these policies. At first, Nazis organized
boycotts of Jewish businesses, but by 1938 they were seizing the property and businesses of Jews and
selling them to non-Jews. The Nuremburg Laws of 1935 took away the political rights and German
citizenship of Jews. Jews were forced to wear the yellow Star of David on their clothing. Few German
citizens worried about Hitler’s policies. Most were pleased at the growth of German pride and
Germany’s increased military and economic power.
Why is Hitler considered to be a fascist leader? Use at least 5 pieces of evidence from the reading to
support your answer.