Chapter 23: The Rise Of Fascism And Totalitarian States -Introduction
Chapter 23 – The Rise of Fascism and Totalitarian States
1. Introduction
When the United States joined World War I in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson said it was to "make the world safe for democracy." Yet, the defeat of the Central Powers didn't lead to this hoped-for democracy. Instead, the peace that followed was so disappointing that even some of the victors felt like they had lost.
The losing side, especially Germany, was filled with anger due to the severe conditions of the Treaty of Versailles peace agreement. This resentment grew as countries struggled to rebuild their economies after the war.
The 1920s were marked by instability both within countries and among them, leading to a troubled peace. The situation worsened in the 1930s with the Great Depression, which started in the United States and then spread globally. The tough times, along with existing tensions, made people in some countries turn to authoritarian leaders who promised stability, prosperity, and a brighter future. For many, giving up some freedoms seemed worth it for the benefits these leaders promised. This led to dictatorships in countries like Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, and Romania.
Themes
Cultural Interaction Fascism was a belief system that prioritized nationalism, loyalty to strong leaders, and the interests of the state over individual rights and freedoms.
Political Systems The chaos following World War I and the economic hardships of the Great Depression paved the way for the spread of communism and fascism, allowing totalitarian rulers to come to power.
Economic Systems Both under fascism and communism, the government had strict control over many economic activities.