Fascism’s Rise in Interwar Europe: Economic and Political Factors
Germany and Hitler’s Economic Policy
There was strong state intervention based on the control of wages due to the repression of trade unions and leftist parties. The restriction of imports aimed at achieving self-sufficiency (autarky). The expansion of public works helped to increase employment. The politics of rearmament had positive effects on heavy industry and led to the economic crisis and military confrontation.
International Cooperation and Stabilization
The International Conference in London (1932), convened by the U.S., France, and Britain, aimed to end the trade war, establish public works programs, settle war debts, and stabilize the exchange rate. There were few achievements.
The Crisis of Democracy
Causes
- The consequences of the First World War produced political rancor that increased nationalist and revenge-seeking feelings.
- The economic crisis caused labor strikes and the ruin of the middle classes.
- The Bolshevik revolution stimulated the desire of European proletariat revolutionaries and terrorized the European bourgeoisie and political leaders.
Consequences
- Distrust of the democratic system’s ability to solve these problems.
- Imposition of conservative dictatorships supported by big landowners, the *petite bourgeoisie*, and the church, aiming to curb communism.
- Democracy stands in countries with democratic traditions through governments of different parties that keep away the radicals.
Ideology of Fascism: Anti-Democratic Movements
Defense of State Interests: Fascism defends the interest of the state over individuals, using violence when necessary. It rejects political pluralism and suppresses opposition, banning political parties and trade unions.
Citizen Integration: It requires the integration of citizens into fascist organizations.
Exaltation of the Charismatic Leader: The leader embodies the state, embracing all virtues. The chief of the party is unique and his image is enhanced through propaganda and set design.
Defense of Elite Privileges: Fascism defends the privileges of the elite, such as men over women, party members over other citizens, and dominant groups over racial minorities.
Economy: Fascism supports state interference in the economy but not against private property. It also promotes autarky.
Culture: It opposes the rationalism of the Enlightenment and Marxist materialism. It glorifies the irrational elements of human behavior.
Foreign Policy: Fascism calls for the extension of borders, wages war against socialist states, and practices nationalist and imperialist aggression.
The Crisis of Postwar Fascist Italy
Economic Implications of the First World War
- Increased cost of living and lower wages led to social unrest, with workers resorting to strikes and occupations of factories and land.
- The bourgeoisie feared a social revolution.
Political Instability in the Italian Monarchy
- No party won a sufficient parliamentary majority.
- Centrist liberal parties formed coalitions that were not very stable and faced strong opposition from the Socialist and Popular parties.
Nationalist Revenge
There was a widespread feeling that Italy had not received any territorial compensation deserved as one of the winners of the First World War.
The Rise to Power of Mussolini
- Mussolini founded the *Fasci di Combattimento* (1919), consisting of veterans and promoting a populist and nationalistic political program.
- He also founded the National Fascist Party (1921) with a new program that advocated for a strong state, private property, and an expansionist foreign policy.
Support
- Employers in Italian industry.
- Social sectors such as the army, the bourgeoisie, and the middle classes.
Actions
- Use of violence against politicians, trade unionists, and left-wing media.
- Boycotting strikes.