Rise of Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany
Italian Fascism
Situation in Italy after World War I:
- Severe economic hardship due to war costs
- Social unrest
- Increased unemployment
- Factory occupations during the 1920 crisis in Piedmont and Lombardy
- Illegal land occupations by revolutionary peasants, especially in the Po Valley
In 1919, Socialists won the most votes in elections.
In 1919, Benito Mussolini, previously expelled from the Socialist party, founded the Fascist Party in Milan. Initially, they won only one seat, forcing Mussolini to shift focus to defending order against social upheaval.
He created the squadristi, armed citizen groups to maintain order and combat workers.
Squadrismo weakened state authority and countered the perceived Communist threat, leading to internal conflicts among squadristi.
In mid-1921, Giolitti resigned as Prime Minister.
By mid-1922, strikes decreased, trade improved, and tourism recovered, potentially undermining the Fascists.
1921-1922 were marked by significant Fascist violence.
In October 1922, Mussolini ordered the March on Rome, instructing his militia not to attack the army.
The government declared a state of siege, but the King asked Mussolini to form a new government. Initially supported by Parliament, liberals later realized Fascism aimed for a totalitarian dictatorship.
1924: Fascism in Power
Socialist deputy Matteotti criticized Mussolini’s rule, leading to his kidnapping and murder.
In 1924-1925, the King hesitated to confront Mussolini, fearing a return to anarchy.
In January 1925, Mussolini publicly took responsibility for Matteotti’s murder.
He banned other political parties, suppressed the liberal press, and imposed Fascist education and control.
1926: Mussolini Consolidates Power
He asserted the state’s superiority under a powerful leader.
- Fascist Party organs became state organs.
- Squadre gained army status.
- The state controlled the workplace.
Fascist Policies:
- Anti-fascist resistance was eliminated.
- Improved relations with the Church: religious education, Church control over marriages, and banning Freemasonry.
- Economic self-sufficiency was the goal.
- In agriculture, new land was cultivated to double wheat production.
- In industry, trusts were created for state control.
- The Institute for State Reconstruction aided struggling companies.
- Migration was limited, and pro-natalist policies were implemented.
- Free strikes were suppressed, and unions were replaced by mandatory Fascist corporations.
German Nazism
1.1 The Origins
The NSDAP (Nazi Party)
Germany’s economy in the 1920s had around 10% unemployment, and agriculture suffered from low prices.
War reparations and economic expansion led to heavy foreign debts.
The 1929 economic crisis cut off American capital, causing the German economy to collapse.
Chancellor Brüning’s deflationary policies failed as global prices fell faster than German exports, leading to a dramatic increase in unemployment.
In January 1933, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, supported by the middle class and petty bourgeoisie.
1.2 The Access to Power
Within six months, Hitler eliminated the opposition with Goering’s help, seizing control.
In April, the Gestapo (secret police) was created, and concentration camps were established for Socialists and Communists.
Hitler’s speeches appealed to emotions rather than reason.
Nazism was more totalitarian than Italian Fascism, which it used as a model.
1.3 Key Elements of the Nazi Regime
- Anti-Semitism: Blaming Jews for all problems.
- The Aryan myth: Claiming Aryan racial superiority.
- Radical nationalism: Rejecting liberal traditions.
- Establishing a single party and proclaiming the Third Reich.
- Expansionist ambitions.
1.4 The Economic Policy
Hitler’s rise boosted business confidence and investment.
In 1933, unemployment dropped from 6 million to 4 million.
There was an economic recovery, with per capita income rising by 40% and wages by 20%.