The Rise of Fascism in Italy: From Post-War Crisis to Dictatorship
The Socio-Political Crisis in Italy
Upon completion of the Great War, Italy was plunged into a social and political crisis, which ended with the rise of fascism. The keys to the crisis were:
- The unrest after the First World War: peace accords did not leave Italy’s territorial claims satisfied. This was known as the “mutilated victory.”
- The crisis of democracy in Italy: Fascism used the failure to create stable governments.
- The economic crisis: The effort made during the war had exhausted the Italian
Regency, Carlist Wars & Reign of Elizabeth II in Spain
The Regency Period in Spain
The regency was marked by progressive measures, including provisions for the national militia and the establishment of the Municipality Act. However, Espartero’s decision to adopt a free trade policy, supported by foreign capital, led to an uprising of textile employers and workers in Barcelona, who felt their businesses and jobs were threatened. General Espartero ordered the city to be bombed to quell the riots, causing the Progressives to withdraw their support. The
Read MorePost-WWI Europe: Rise of Dictatorships and Democratic Struggles
Post-WWI Europe: A Continent in Turmoil
Following the peace treaties that concluded World War I, new European states emerged, and democracy became the dominant political system among independent nations. However, this period also saw the rise of anti-democratic movements.
The Rise of Extremism
Leagues of veterans, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy, advocated for anti-democratic ideologies, gaining traction in some sectors. Simultaneously, the extreme left championed the establishment of a
Read MoreDemocracy, Communism, and Economic Shifts in Post-War Europe
Democracy in Europe: The Welfare State
Economic growth in Western Europe was accompanied by the consolidation of democratic political systems. With the fall of the last dictatorships, this area of the planet comprised the largest number of democratic states. The most representative political forces grouped into: Conservatives (in favor of restricting the role of the state and free competition) and Social Democrats (supporters of reforms to benefit the most disadvantaged classes). Other minority parties
Read MoreImperialism, Global Wars, and the League of Nations: Key Questions
Key Questions: 19th & 20th Century Conflicts
19th Century Imperialism
How do landscapes and resources affect empires?
19th century empires – technology and resource needs drove industrialization.
Why build global empires? What were the consequences?
19th century empires – reasons: technology, strategy, territory, prestige, resources. Consequences: societal changes, exploited territories, global tensions.
World War One
Why were there global wars in the 20th century?
WWI – alliances and empires
Read MoreSpain’s First Republic: A Brief History 1873-1874
General Characteristics
- It was born from the fragile union of radical liberals (mostly Monarchists), Democrats, and Republicans.
- It was never recognized by France, the United Kingdom, and the Holy See.
- Its social support came from a sector of bourgeois liberal intellectuals and progressive elements of the working class.
- It had great political instability (4 presidents in a year) due to disputes between Federalists and Unitarians, and among the supporters of social transformations and their opponents.