The Interwar Period HIST 1112 Fall 2024

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  • SHC HIST 1112: The Interwar Period

  • Instructor: K. DuRocher

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  • Topic: World History: The Effects of World War I

  • Source: Discovery

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Literature of the 1920s

  • Focus: Interpreting human emotion

  • Combative attitude towards society

  • Notable authors:

    • James Joyce (1882-1941)

    • T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)

    • D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930)

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Shift in Music

  • Move away from the "Beethoven century"

  • Igor Stravinsky's ballet, "The Rite of Spring"

  • Notable event: Riots in the theater

  • Source: NPR 5:00 Interwar Music

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Modern Art: Dadaism

  • Reaction to war and emerging machine culture

  • Expression of post-WWI bitterness

  • Dada's values: Chance, spontaneity, irreverence vs. logic and order

  • Quote: Tristan Tzara: "DADA DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING"

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  • Marcel Duchamp: Co-founder of Dada

  • Work: "Nude Descending a Staircase"

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  • Francis Picabia: "Star Dancer on a Transatlantic Cruise"

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  • Max Ernst: "Family Excursions"

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The Great Depression

  • Event: 1929 Stock Market Crash

  • Global repercussions:

    • Rise in anti-colonialism

    • Increase in social programs

    • Military buildup

    • Gender roles affected

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Rise of Totalitarianism

  • Focus: Nationalism and discovery education

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Rise of Totalitarian Russia

  • Key figure: Lenin and the Bolsheviks

  • Nature of regime: Single party dictatorship

  • Year: 1924 - Stalin takes power

  • Actions: Eliminates Leon Trotsky

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Industrialization of the Soviet Union

  • Strategy: Five-Year Plans

  • Features: Centralized state control, collectives, famine

  • Impact on women

  • Evaluation of Stalin’s plans

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Fascism Overview

  • Characteristics:

    • Anti-liberal and anti-communist

    • Radical use of force, contempt for upper class

    • Anti-intellectualism and propaganda usage

    • Not confined to Italy and Germany

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Fascism in Italy

  • Context: Postwar Italy struggles

  • Key figure: Benito Mussolini

  • Elements: Nationalism and corporatism

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Mussolini's Fascist State

  • Org: Fasci di Combattimento (Blackshirts)

  • Emphasis on aggressive nationalism

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Hitler’s Germany Context

  • Post-WWI defeat and hyperinflation in 1923

  • Key figure: Adolf Hitler

  • Background: Wanted to be an artist, joined German Workers' Party in 1921

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Hitler’s Rise to Power

  • 1923: March on Munich

  • Published: "Mein Kampf"

  • 1928: Nazi Party grows to 100,000 members, holds 12 seats

  • 1932: Nazis hold 280 seats; Hitler promises bread and work

  • Economic issues: Unemployment up to 8 million, hyperinflation

  • 1933: Hitler appointed Chancellor, later declares himself Führer in August 1934

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Actions Under Hitler

  • Organization: Schutzstaffel (SS)

  • Tactics: Union busting and state control of press

  • Prohibition of modern art and scorn for intellectuals

  • Expansion of public works projects

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Economic Results of Hitler’s Policies

  • 1937: Unemployment reduced to 7 million

  • 1938: Further reduction to 1 million

  • 1939: Full employment with imported labor

  • Standard of living increase by 20%

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Totalitarian Regimes in Europe (1930s)

  • Finland: Communist regimes

  • Norway: Fascist regimes

  • Sweden: Authoritarian regimes

  • Overview of geographical regimes

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Growth of Totalitarianism

  • Communist Party: Growth due to pro-labor policies

  • Fascism: Message on unity and racial purity

  • Context: Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and Francisco Franco

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Totalitarian Regimes in Europe Revisited

  • Overview of regimes present in 1930s

  • Geography explored

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Interactive Question

  • Would you rather never be able to go out during the day or night? Consider during break.