Authoritarian Regimes: Stalinism, Fascism, and Nazism
The Rise of Authoritarian Dictatorships
In Germany, Italy, and the USSR, authoritarian dictatorships rose to power, sometimes evolving into totalitarian regimes. Several factors contributed to this rise:
- World War I established military organizational habits, such as chain of command and comradeship.
- The war aroused nationalist feelings, reinforced by the economic crisis of 1929 and protectionist policies.
- State power increased through intervention in the economy and society.
- New parties formed, representing the discontented working masses.
Common Characteristics of Authoritarian and Totalitarian Regimes
These regimes shared common characteristics:
Politics
- Authoritarian dictatorship: The leader had a single political party supporting them.
- Anti-democratic government: Citizens’ rights were limited.
Foreign Policy
- Expansionist foreign policy.
Economy
- State intervention and control.
Society
- Most classes supported the regime due to state control and information dissemination.
Stalinism in the USSR
Stalinism was the totalitarian government system established in the USSR when Joseph Stalin eliminated political rivals and took control of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).
- All political power was held by Stalin, who controlled the CPSU as Secretary General and head of government. He approved the 1936 constitution, granting citizens’ rights while maintaining the CPSU as the only political party and attempting to spread communism through the Comintern.
- The economy was planned and controlled by the state. Stalin introduced Five-Year Plans for rapid industrialization, including:
- Collectivization of land through expropriation and forced labor:
- Sovkhoz: State-owned farms with wage-paid workers.
- Kolkhoz: Cooperative farms where workers owned part of the harvest.
- Nationalization of existing industries.
- Construction of hydraulic works to increase electricity production.
- Stalin aimed to eliminate social differences, but disparities remained between the governing elite and the rest of the population.
Fascism in Italy
Fascism was the authoritarian government system established by Mussolini in Italy after becoming head of government in 1922. The constitutional monarchy of Victor Emmanuel III was weakened by crisis, leading to the creation of the fasci, volunteer militias supported by business owners to maintain order. Although the monarchy was maintained, Mussolini transformed the democratic state into a dictatorship:
- In 1926, he consolidated all political power, becoming the leader of the only political party, head of government, and head of the army.
- Parliament was replaced by the Chamber of Fasces and Corporations.
- Government intervention in the economy was established.
- Mussolini removed workers’ rights to suppress social unrest.
Nazism in Germany
Nazism was the dictatorship established by Hitler in Germany. Known as the Führer, he established a totalitarian regime replacing the Weimar Republic. The triumph of totalitarianism in Germany was fueled by German humiliation over the Treaty of Versailles. In 1921, Hitler became leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party). The Schutzstaffel (SS), a paramilitary group, attacked the opposition. After winning the 1933 elections, Hitler was named Chancellor and established a dictatorship:
- In 1934, he proclaimed himself head of state and established the Third Reich.
- Significant economic development occurred, with unemployment falling due to public works programs and arms industry development.
- He was racist towards Jews and persecuted them.