Emergence of authoritarian states

What role did economic hardship play in the emergence of authoritarian states?

Economic hardship (recessions, unemployment, hyperinflation) undermined faith in democratic governments and made promises of stability under an authoritarian regime appealing.

How did social divisions contribute to the rise of authoritarian regimes?

Intense class conflicts, urban–rural divides and ideological polarization created fear and instability, which authoritarian movements exploited by promising order and national unity.

In what ways did the impact of war create conditions for authoritarian states?

War defeat, casualties and economic devastation disillusioned populations, fostered nationalism and resentment toward existing governments perceived as weak, paving the way for authoritarian leaders promising revival.

Why did the weakness of political systems facilitate the emergence of authoritarianism?

Fragmented party systems, ineffective coalitions and political corruption eroded legitimacy of democratic institutions, making strongman rule seem more effective.

What economic crises hit Weimar Germany and how did they affect politics?

Hyperinflation (1923) wiped out savings; the Great Depression (1929) caused mass unemployment; these crises discredited centrist parties and increased support for extremist groups like the Nazis.

How did social divisions in Weimar Germany contribute to Nazi support?

Fear of communism among middle and upper classes, resentment by lower middle-class small business owners and rural populations against elites, created a coalition drawn to Nazi promises of social order.

What was the impact of WWI on German politics and society?

Defeat, Treaty of Versailles humiliation, and demobilization fostered resentment; veterans formed paramilitary Freikorps, some of which joined the Nazis, fueling paramilitary culture and nationalist grievances.

How did weaknesses in the Weimar political system enable Hitler’s rise?

Proportional representation led to unstable coalitions; backroom deals (e.g., Hindenburg appointing Hitler chancellor) bypassed parliamentary mandate; elites underestimated Hitler’s ambitions.

What methods of persuasion did the Nazis use to gain mass support?

Mass rallies, charismatic speeches by Hitler, targeted propaganda to different social groups, use of modern media like radio and film, and propaganda posters.

How did the Nazis use coercion to consolidate power?

The SA terrorized opponents; the Enabling Act (1933) removed legal restraints; concentration camps imprisoned political rivals; the Gestapo instilled fear.

Describe the role of Adolf Hitler in establishing the Nazi dictatorship.

As Führer, Hitler centralized power, set the ideological agenda, controlled the SS and army, and embodied the Nazi myth, making his will supreme.

What ideological principles underpinned Nazi rule?

Racial hierarchy (Aryan supremacy), antisemitism, anti-communism, Lebensraum, Volksgemeinschaft (people’s community).

How did the Night of the Long Knives strengthen Hitler’s position?

By purging SA leadership and eliminating potential rivals (June 1934), Hitler secured support from the army and conservative elites, reducing internal threats.

In what ways did Nazi propaganda shape German society?

Goebbels’ Ministry of Propaganda controlled press, film, radio, arts and education to indoctrinate Germans with Nazi ideology and suppress dissent.

What economic conditions in Italy after WWI supported Mussolini’s rise?

Post-war recession, high unemployment, inflation, and social unrest among returning veterans created disillusionment with liberal government.

How did social divisions in Italy facilitate the emergence of Fascism?

Rising socialist and Catholic movements polarized society; landlords and industrialists backed Fascists to counter socialist strikes and peasant land seizures.

How did the impact of WWI influence Italian politics?

Italy’s “mutilated victory” fostered nationalist resentment; war veterans formed paramilitary squads that Mussolini co-opted as the Blackshirts.

What political weaknesses existed in Italy in the early 1920s?

Fragmented liberal governments, weak coalition cabinets, and inability to address post-war crises led to calls for strong leadership.

What methods of persuasion did Mussolini employ to attract followers?

Charismatic oratory, promises of national restoration, use of newspaper Il Popolo d’Italia to spread Fascist ideas, alliances with elites.

How did Mussolini use coercion to establish control?

The Blackshirts disrupted opposition meetings and elections; in the March on Rome (1922), intimidation forced the king to appoint Mussolini prime minister.

Describe the role of Benito Mussolini as Il Duce.

Mussolini centralized decision-making, cultivated a cult of personality, and framed himself as the embodiment of the Italian nation and revolutionary change.

What were the ideological foundations of Italian Fascism?

Totalitarian nationalism, corporatism, anti-communism, emphasis on the state over the individual, and the myth of Roman grandeur.

How did Mussolini consolidate power after becoming prime minister?

Passing the Acerbo Law (1923) to guarantee Parliamentary majority, outlawing opposition parties (1926), and establishing secret police (OVRA).

In what ways did Fascist propaganda strengthen Mussolini’s regime?

State-controlled radio, film, education, and youth organizations indoctrinated Italians with fascist values and loyalty to Mussolini.

What economic factors in China during the early 20th century paved the way for Mao’s rise?

Rural poverty, land inequality, and economic disruption from warlord conflicts and Japanese aggression created peasant support for land reform under Communism.

How did social divisions in China contribute to the Communist movement?

Urban–rural divide, landless peasants vs elite landlords, exploitation fueled class consciousness and support for Mao’s promise of social justice.

What was the impact of war on Chinese politics before 1949?

Warlord fragmentation and Sino-Japanese War devastation undermined Nationalist authority and allowed the Communist Party to gain legitimacy through resistance efforts.

Why was the Nationalist government perceived as weak?

Corruption, failure to implement effective reforms, inability to defend against Japan, and reliance on foreign aid eroded KMT legitimacy.

What methods of persuasion did Mao Zedong use to build support?

Land reform policies, “mass line” ideology encouraging consultation with peasants, literacy campaigns, and promises of social equality.

How did Mao use coercion to secure Communist control?

The Red Army enforced collectivization and political loyalty through purges, “struggle sessions”, and suppression of counter-revolutionaries.

Describe Mao’s role in establishing the People’s Republic of China.

As Chairman, Mao led the revolutionary war, authored key ideological works, centralized party power, and became the supreme leader.

What ideological principles guided Mao’s regime?

Marxism-Leninism adapted to Chinese peasantry, class struggle, continuous revolution, and Mao Zedong Thought as doctrine.

How did Mao use force to consolidate power after 1949?

PLA campaigns eliminated opposition, land redistribution often violent, and labor camps were set up for dissidents.

In what ways did propaganda support Mao’s authoritarian state?

State-controlled media, promotion of the Little Red Book, mass rallies, and ritualized adoration of Mao fostered a cult of personality.