Lecture Notes: Churchill, Mussolini, Hitler, and the Rise of Fascism

Introduction

• Churchill had diverse interests: art, butterflies, and even wrote about aliens.
• Skillshare as an online learning resource ideal for Churchill’s varied interests.

Benito Mussolini

• Early Life: Moved to Switzerland in 1902 to avoid military service.
  • Engaged in socialism activities and faced multiple arrests.
  • Completed military service and resumed socialist activities.
• Shift in Ideology: Transitioned from anti-war to pro-war during WW1.
  • Expelled from the socialist party for pro-war stance.
• Creation of Fascism: Proposed unity through nationality over class divisions.
  • Sought Italian greatness by emulating the Roman Empire.

Italy Post-WW1

• Italy felt cheated after gaining little from WW1 despite being on the winning side.
• Economic issues and weak governments made Mussolini's fascist ideology attractive.
• Rise to Power: In 1922, Mussolini persuaded the King to make him Prime Minister.
  • Established a dictatorship, becoming Europe’s first fascist dictator.

Germany Post-WW1

• Treaty of Versailles: Harsh penalties on Germany causing national humiliation.
• Economic troubles and weak governments set the stage for Hitler's rise.
• Adolf Hitler: Ex-WW1 soldier, started a political party and gained popularity.
  • Became Chancellor in 1933 and established a dictatorship.

Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan

• Common Goals: Belief in racial superiority and expansionism.
• Japan: Expanded after defeating Russia and exploiting China.

Prelude to WW2

• Germany’s Actions: Violation of Treaty of Versailles, militarizing the Rhineland.
  • Expansionism under the guise of seeking ‘lebensraum’ for the Aryan population.
  • Appeasement by Allies allowed Hitler’s unchecked aggression.

Invasion of Poland

• Nazi-Soviet Pact: Agreement with Stalin to split Poland.
• German invasion led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany.

Early WW2 Events

• The Phony War: Initial inaction by Allies.
• French and British Military Strategies: Defensive posture, reliance on outdated tactics.
• Norwegian Campaign: Failed Allied attempt to cut German iron supply.

Fall of France

• Blitzkrieg Strategy: Swift German invasion through the Ardennes, bypassing French defenses.
• Dunkirk Evacuation: Critical escape of British forces.

Battle of Britain

• Hitler’s Strategy: Target RAF to prepare for invasion.
• British Resilience: RAF successfully defended against Luftwaffe, bolstered by Churchill’s leadership.

Conclusion

• The bombing of British cities continued despite failed invasion attempts.
• Fascist ideologies and aggressive military strategies set the stage for further global conflict.