The Rise of Fascism

April 27th, 2018

Fascism: A political ideology that stresses extreme Nationalism. Interests of the nation are placed above that of the individual. Also recognizes the importance of a strong and powerful leader

1920’s Italy

• Italy had fought with the Allies

• They were disappointed by the Treaty of Versailles, wanted more land

• The War had brought problems

– People lost their jobs

– Government was weak

• People blamed the democratic government & feared the spread of Communism

Benito Mussolini (1883 – 1945)

• Formed the Right-wing, ultra nationalist Fascist Party

• Campaigned against democracy and communism

• Used his supporters to form a paramilitary group known as the Black Shirts

• Marched on Rome in 1922 and was appointed Prime Minister by the King

• Later transformed Italy’s democracy into a dictatorship

• Called himself Il Duce

Modern Western Civilization: Reading & Questions on Mussolini & Fascism

1. What specific problems was Italy facing after WWI?2. Who was enlisted into the Blackshirts?3. How did Mussolini define Fascism?4. What measures did Mussolini undertake to gain and

maintain control?5. How did Mussolini regulate the economy?6. How did Mussolini reach a deal with the Catholic church?7. What were Mussolini’s plans for the Mediterranean Sea?8. Where did Italian troops invade in 1935 in attempt to

expand the empire?9. What was the motto of the Fascist party?10. Observe the “Facist Decalogue.” What do you find

troubling about it? Why?

What is Fascism?

Modern Western Civilization: Reading & Questions

1. Unemployment, food shortages, rising inflation, disorder among agricultural and manufacturing industries

2. WWI Vets, small property owners, disappointed nationalists, those that feared communism

3. Mussolini defined Fascism as a rejection of both liberal democracy and Marxism. Good of the state outweighed the good of the individual.

4. He had opponents jailed or killed, methods of communication were censored, once in control he brought economic and political stability

5. He outlawed strikes and lockouts. Wages, working hours and conditions were regulated by the state.

6. The Lateran Accord: Church recognized the authority of the state, Italy recognized the sovereignty of the Vatican. Catholicism became the official religion.

7. He wanted to make it an “Italian Lake”

8. Italian troops invaded Abyssinia in 1935

9. Believe, Fight, Obey!

The Rise of Dictatorial Regimes

(1918 – 1930)

May 8th, 2017

The Rise of DictatorsPage 796 - 803

• Italy• USSR• Spain

For each of the countries listed above make notes on the following:1. Who became dictator in the period between WWI &

WWII2. Why and how they rose to power3. Examples of the what they did that was indicative of a

dictatorial or totalitarian regime