The Rise of Fascism and Nazism (online class)

what is the full name for nazism

national socialism; radical nationalism, strong racism, anti-democracy, revanchism (revenge)

where did fascism originate

Italy

what characterizes the 1910s/1920s

chaos, turmoil, political and economic instability

what was the cause of civil war in Italy

different groups wanted power; it was a constitutional monarchy but other groups existed such as socialism, communism, liberal democracy

why were many Italians upset post-war

felt they were not awarded the spoils of the war

when was the Paris peace conference

1919

who was at the Paris peace conference

the big four; France, the UK, US, and Italy

what was the purpose of the Paris peace conference

to deliberate on post war order

why did the Italians join the war on the Western side

they were promised rewards so they felt betrayed as they felt they did not get enough

why did Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando walk out of the conference

as protest due to unfulfilled territorial promises

why were many people/soldiers unhappy in Italy

rejected democracy and feared communism

what happened with the soldiers

formed paramilitary groups (action squads like the squadra d’azione in 1919) and kept their arms in protest

what were the paramilitary groups politically

right wing; nationalistic, militaristic, anti-democratic; proto-Fascist organization

who took part in the paramilitary groups

often young men and ex- veterans who were unhappy with the current state of Italy and fearing its future

what happened to the paramilitary squads

absorbed into Fascist Party of Italy; the PNF (Partito Nazionale Fascita) est 1921 which was led by Benito Mussolini; had a formal party structure meaning they partook in elections

what is Fascism

a hybrid ideology of many ideas, notions, and beliefs combined to create something new using pre-existing strains; the ideology was new but the concepts were not

what were the pre-existing strains in Fascism

strong nationalism, militarism, anti-democracy, anti-republicanism, anti-liberalism; very radical right wing ideology

who was Benito Mussolini

WW1 veteran, did not found the blackshirts (paramilitary), founded the PNF; he wanted all the power in the hands of the fascists turning Italy into a one-party state

what is similar about how the Nazis and Fascists came to power

they came to power democratically although they were anti-democratic by nature; it was relatively gradual, subtle, and peaceful with few exceptions; what is similar between the rise of nazism and fascism; both countries perceived themselves as losers

what was the Bienno Rosso?

the two red years from 1919-1920 was a period of social conflict and civil war in Italy within communist/socialist factions; Italian society was socially divided with many factions such as sommunists, socialists, democrats, and fascists

how did Mussolini and the Communists come to power

mass political movement; flags and uniforms, marches, speeches, tv, radio; wanted to attract supporters by bringing politics to the common people

what was the march on Rome

in 1922 Mussolini tried to come to power using tricks; it appeared that he was staging a revolution by force to occupy the parliament building despite its intended propaganda coup for the public

what was the result of the march on Rome

the King of Italy feared bloodshed and civil war and gave Mussolini the opportunity to be prime minister on the condition that he would form a coalition Government, which he did with other right-wing parties

what was the acerbo law

the law guaranteed the largest party in an election to recieve 2/3, automatic majority, while the other parties shared 1/3

why would other parties agree to the acerbo law

parties who shared similar ideas as well as the use of force, violence, bribes and intimidation to ensure no one would vote against the act

was the Fascist rise to power really peaceful and gradual

on the surface it was but behind the scenes it was not peaceful; coercion, violence, intimidation, trickery, etc.

what happened after the acerbo law was passed

a law was created that ensured no other parties were allowed to exist

what did the 1929 election look like in Italy

one leader- Mussolini, 98% result in support, yes or no option for ballot

what were the perceived political problems that caused people to vote for fascism

people believed the nation was in a crisis beyond traditional solutions like democracy; belief in a national victimhood and are being treated unfairly; glorifying the past and promising a return to national greatness

what were the perceived economic problems that caused people to vote for fascism

poor economy and high unemployment; misery and hopelessness in the late 1920s; the great depression; argues that ousting democracy is the only hope for the nation

what were the perceived cultural and social problems that caused people to vote for fascism

playing with the fear of the decline of the nation; cultural influenced and people used as scapegoats; for example the dangers of individual freedoms in democracy, womens roles, American influence, immigrants all as a threat

were fascists conservative

yes they were anti-modern (against new gender roles), against liberal-democracy and individualism

what is a key difference between nazism and fascism

nazis are very Antisemitic whereas fascists are not concerned with religion

what were the features of Nazism (brief) slide 2/2

the state of crisis demanded a radical and quick solution; used fear of the group declining; emphasized the duties of the people to the nation NOT the individual; cleansing the country; celebrating community; belief in one strong leader- the fuhrer; belief that people are not equal; glorification of the past; total control and power with the fuhrer and the party; starting war and expansionism

what were some similar/shared ideas between Mussolini and Hitler

agressive; wanting to continue and finish the war

what does Mussolini do in the 1930’s and why

starts war on weaker countries because he wants to create an Italian Empire around the Mediterranean sea

who does Mussolini target to build his empire

Africa (northern and eastern) and parts of southern Europe

Italian-Abyssinian War

in 1936 Abyssinia was attacked by Italy and although they won it was much longer and more costly than they anticipated

what happened in 1945

all fascist and nazi leaders were overthrown; Hitler died; Mussolini was overthrown by the people and killed

totalitarianism

total control