Amsco ch 21

  • Ideological Clashes in the Interwar Years

    • Fascism vs. Marxian Socialism
      • Benito Mussolini (1932): Fascism opposes democratic ideology.
    • Essential Question: What caused ideological battles among democratic, communist, and fascist states?

  • Post World War I Political Climate

    • Central government power increased.
    • Collapse of empires: Russian, German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman.
    • Emergence of weak democratic governments due to lack of historical precedent.
    • Resulting internal conflicts aggravated by
      • Economic issues
      • Ethnic tensions.

  • Responses to Industrialization

    • Communism
      • Advocates collective ownership by the proletariat for a classless society.
      • Seeks to eliminate oppression to allow full human potential.
      • Represents extreme left-wing ideology.
    • Fascism
      • Strong centralized government with dictatorial control.
      • Emphasizes state over individual rights and property.
      • Represents extreme right-wing ideology.
    • Liberal Democracy
      • Characteristic of western European states.
      • Individuals elect leaders, partake in a capitalist economy.
      • Conflicts with extreme ideologies leading to World War II.

  • Ideological Comparison:

    • Economic Views:
      • Communism: State ownership of production.
      • Capitalism: Private ownership; free market competition.
      • Fascism: Private ownership but state-controlled competition.
    • Nationalism:
      • Communism: Internationalism with solidarity against colonialism.
      • Fascism: Strongly nationalistic, opposing internationalism.
    • War and Peace:
      • Communism: Believes in international peace through the end of capitalism.
      • Fascism: Opposed to peace if it undermines strength.
    • Equality Views:
      • Communism supports equality; Fascism opposes it.
    • Religious Views:
      • Communism rejects religion, while Fascism sees it as a tool for national unity.

  • The Russian Revolution and Lenin

    • Influenced by Karl Marx yet modified some ideas.
      • Marx believed socialism required wealth; Lenin believed it could start in poor countries.
    • Lenin claimed revolutions depended on dedicated leadership.
    • Led Bolshevik faction advocating immediate violent change, established modern Communist Party.

  • Key Events in Russian Revolution:

    • March Revolution (1917) sparked by economic hardship; women's demonstrations resulted in Tsar's abdication.
    • Provisional Government established but lacked support from lower classes.
    • Lenin's return and plans for Bolshevik power seizure through control of soviets.
    • Bolshevik Revolution (November 1917) led to the establishment of a communist government.

  • Civil War

    • Resulted from dissatisfaction over World War I treaty.
    • Bolshevik (Reds) vs. anti-Bolshevik forces (Whites), with foreign intervention.
    • Reasons for Communist success:
      • Strong leadership and organization, discipline under Trotsky.
      • Disunity among opposition factions.
      • Appeal to patriotism against foreign threats.

  • Economic Policies under Lenin and Stalin

    • NEP (New Economic Policy) (1921): Introduction of limited capitalism for recovery post-civil war.
      • Allowed market sales; state retained control over large industries.
    • Stalin's Regime: Involvement in rapid industrialization through five-year plans.
      • Heavy industries prioritized at the expense of consumer goods.
      • Workers faced poor conditions; collectivization resulted in widespread famine.
    • Purges (1936-1938): Political repression to eliminate critics and rivals.
      • Millions arrested, many perished in labor camps.

  • Fascism in Post-WWI Europe

    • Rise due to economic instability and fear of communism.
    • Mussolini (Italy) and Hitler (Germany) exploited nationalism and disillusionment.
    • Utilized propaganda and terror to consolidate power.
    • Totalitarian regimes emerged, e.g., Mussoliniā€™s Italy after 1926 and Hitlerā€™s Germany post-1933.

  • Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): A precursor to WWII featuring fascist and leftist factions, with international involvement by USSR and fascist governments.

  • Great Depression:

    • Originated in the U.S.; had global repercussions undermining democracies.
    • Contributed to political instability; extremist ideologies grew in popularity as governments failed to respond effectively to economic crises.

  • Understanding Fascism's Appeal:

    • Combined elements of existing ideologies, resonating with public sentiments of despair and desire for a new order.
    • Leveraged modern propaganda techniques for wide appeal and manipulating mass movements.