The Rise of Totalitarianism

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the rise of totalitarianism, particularly focusing on fascism and the conditions in Germany and Italy during the interwar period.

Fascism

A radical, authoritarian nationalist political ideology that emphasizes loyalty to an authoritarian leader and the state.

Benito Mussolini

The founder of the Fascist Party in Italy and dictator from 1924 to 1943.

Il Duce

Title assumed by Benito Mussolini, meaning 'The Leader' in Italian.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the body of the people.

Censorship

The suppression or prohibition of speech or writing that is deemed unacceptable by the state.

Indoctrination

The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

Secret Police

Law enforcement agencies that operate in secrecy to suppress political dissent.

Nationalism

An extreme form of patriotism, often marked by a belief in the superiority of one's nation over others.

Militarism

A belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively.

Racism

Prejudice or discrimination against individuals based solely on their race.

Nazi Party

The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, known for its totalitarian practices and extreme nationalism.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, known for its instability and economic problems.

Hyperinflation

An extremely high and typically accelerating inflation, which can devastate the economy.

Mein Kampf

A political manifesto written by Adolf Hitler during his imprisonment, outlining his ideology and plans for Germany.

Lebensraum

Translation: 'living space'; a concept promoted by Adolf Hitler arguing for the expansion of Germany's territory.

Kristallnacht

The 'Night of Broken Glass', a pogrom against Jews carried out by the Nazi regime in November 1938.

Nuremberg Laws

A set of anti-Semitic laws in Nazi Germany that stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Corporatism

An economic system in which various interest groups are integrated into the state; Mussolini promoted this concept.

Beer Hall Putsch

A failed coup attempt by Hitler and the Nazi Party to seize power in 1923, resulting in Hitler's imprisonment.

Führer

German for 'leader', a title adopted by Adolf Hitler as the absolute ruler of Nazi Germany.