Lecture Notes: Rise of Totalitarianism in Europe Between World Wars

Introduction

• World War I aimed to make the world safe for democracy (Woodrow Wilson)
• Result: Rise of totalitarian governments in Europe

Fascism and Its Appeal

• Benito Mussolini's Definition: Fascism involves a group bound to a powerful leader
• Political philosophy emphasizing obedience to an authoritarian leader
• Utilizes state resources for leader's ambition

Reasons for Fascism's Appeal in Interwar Europe

1. Post-War Bitterness:
   • Class divisions: Working class power grew, middle class influence declined
   • Gender bitterness: Women worked during war and resented returning to traditional roles
2. Fear of Communism:
   • Communism, especially in Russia, caused fear in Europe
3. Economic Instability:
   • Great Depression: High unemployment, inflation, economic insecurity
   • Fascist leaders presented as saviors

Fascism in Italy

• Mussolini's Rise:
  • Shift from socialist to fascist for power
  • 1922: Appointed Prime Minister after threatening a march on Rome
• Consolidation of Power:
  • Dictatorial powers granted by Italian parliament
  • Propaganda glorifying war and opposing democracy/communism
  • Use of secret police (Black Shirts) to suppress dissent
  • Italy never fully under Mussolini's control

Fascism in Germany

• Adolf Hitler's Rise:
  • Post-WWI, Germany faced severe economic and political punishment
  • Hitler's anti-Semitic and nationalist ideologies
  • 1930s: Gained power, emergency dictatorial powers granted
• Consolidation of Power:
  • Effective use of propaganda (radio, film) for Nazi messages
  • Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels
  • Secret police (SS) under Heinrich Himmler

Fascism in Spain

• Spanish Civil War:
  • Economic and political turmoil led to conflict
  • 1936: Popular Front (leftists and communists) vs. General Francisco Franco (army)
  • Franco supported by Hitler and Mussolini, won Civil War
• Impact:
  • Testing ground for WWII fascism's spread
  • Western democracies' inaction observed by fascists

Eastern Europe's Turn to Authoritarianism

• New states post-WWI struggled with democracy under economic strain
• Fascist governments installed in Poland, Hungary, Romania, etc.

Soviet Union Under Stalin

• Stalin's Rise:
  • Post-Lenin, Stalin consolidates power
  • Implemented Five-Year Plans for industrialization
• Consolidation of Power:
  • Secret police used to suppress dissent (Great Purge)
  • Collectivization led to the Holodomor in Ukraine

Conclusion

• Totalitarian states relied on propaganda, secret police, and economic/social conditions to rise
• Fascism and authoritarian communism shared similarities in their authoritarian control and methods

• Review Resources: Continue reviewing Unit 8 of AP Europe, Euro review pack available
• Note: These notes summarize key points about the rise of totalitarianism in Europe between the World Wars, focusing on fascism and its appeal, the establishment of fascist regimes in Italy, Germany, Spain, Eastern Europe, and the Soviet Union under Stalin.