Unit3 Review - Fascism, communism, etc

What is fascism?

Radical and authoritarian nationalist political ideology.

What characterizes an authoritarian governing system?

Concentration of power in a single authority, limiting individual freedoms and political opposition.

Why is fascism considered to be on the far right?

Because it involves supremacism, supporting the segregation of 'inferior' groups.

What is supremacism?

Complete rejection of social inequality, believing superiority and inferiority are norms.

What is the Great Man Theory in fascism?

The belief that a strong, brilliant individual should make decisions for the people.

What does fascism emphasize regarding action and war?

Aggression is important; the belief that war is necessary for state improvement.

What does State-ism signify in fascism?

The belief that the state is more important than any individual.

What is a key idea behind racism in fascism?

The idea of a master race.

Who was Mussolini?

The original fascist leader who rose to power in Italy in the 1920s.

What was Mussolini's #1 goal?

To recover Italy's past glory.

Why does fascism believe democracy is dead?

Because democracy is perceived as weak, self-interested, and ineffective.

What event marked Mussolini's rise to power in Italy?

The March on Rome in 1922.

What were the Blackshirts?

Violent street thugs who attacked opponents and sought to overthrow the government.

What was the outcome of Mussolini's propaganda after the March on Rome?

It portrayed the march as a heroic victory despite the king handing him power out of fear.

How did Mussolini control all aspects of Italian life?

Through the establishment of a totalitarian government.

What techniques did Mussolini use in his dictatorship?

Force and intimidation, scapegoating, controlled participation, and indoctrination/propaganda.

What does the Doctrine of Fascism entail?

Ideas defining fascism emphasizing strong authority, nationalism, and rejection of democracy.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

A treaty post-WWI that imposed harsh penalties and limitations on Germany.

What effects did the Treaty of Versailles have on Germany?

Guilt clause, reparations, military limitations, and loss of territory.

What problems did the Weimar Republic face?

Loss of credibility, hyperinflation, and inability to meet citizens' needs.

What was the Beer Hall Putsch?

Hitler's failed coup attempt to overthrow the Weimar government in 1923.

What was the Dawes Plan?

An agreement to help Germany pay its reparations by reducing payments and providing loans.

What happened during the Reichstag Fire?

The parliament building burned down, allowing Hitler to blame the communists.

What was Anschluss?

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.

What does Lebensraum mean?

Living space; Hitler's idea for Germany to expand its territory.

What was Kristallnacht?

A violent attack on Jewish people and property in Germany on November 9-10, 1938.

What were Hitler's S.A. Storm Troopers?

Thugs who aided Hitler but were later purged during the Night of the Long Knives.

What was the Enabling Act?

A law allowing Hitler to rule by decree and effectively achieve legal dictatorship.

What were the Nuremburg Laws?

Laws that stripped Jews of citizenship and defined who was considered Jewish.

What is corporatism?

A system where the government controls social and economic groups to serve state interests.

What is the Great Man Theory?

The belief that history is shaped by extraordinary individuals rather than broader forces.

What does irredentism mean?

The political movement to reclaim territory believed rightfully belonging to a nation.