The Rise of Totalitarianism: From the Great Depression to World War II
The Roaring Twenties: A Period of Prosperity
Between 1924 and 1929, Europe and the USA experienced a period of economic prosperity. The United States, in particular, became the world’s leading economic power. This prosperity was fueled by several factors:
– The development of industry was driven by a new production system, which enabled mass production of items such as automobiles and appliances.
– The increase in consumption was spurred by advertising and the availability of bank loans, making purchasing easier.
– Market investments became a popular way to make money, with investments flowing into corporate profits, bank deposits, and private ventures.
The Crisis of 1929
During World War I, the United States experienced a surge in production due to demand from belligerent countries. However, after the war, demand decreased, leading to overproduction. This resulted in a drop in prices.
The economic reality was not reflected in stock market prices, which continued to rise despite the excess of output compared to consumption. This disconnect created a situation where businesses were struggling, while stock prices remained inflated.
On October 24, 1929, known as Black Thursday, the New York Stock Exchange crashed due to a massive sell-off of 13 million shares.
The stock market crash triggered a global economic depression, devastating millions of people who lost their money and savings. Banks, industries, and farmers were also severely affected.
The Extent and Consequences of the Great Depression
The crisis spread from the United States to the rest of the world. In Europe, numerous banks collapsed, leading to the downfall of many industries and farmers who relied on credit. Asian countries were also impacted.
The consequences of the Great Depression were far-reaching:
– Demographic growth stalled, and transoceanic migrations decreased.
– Economic production in agriculture and industry declined, as did foreign trade. Protectionist policies were implemented.
– Social unemployment soared, and the middle and working classes experienced widespread disillusionment with the capitalist system and a loss of faith in progress.
– Political democracy was discredited, as initial attempts to resolve the crisis failed. This led to the rise of ideologies that presented themselves as saviors.
Solutions to the Great Depression
To address the crisis, some countries promoted autonomy or self-sufficiency. John Maynard Keynes advocated for the creation of state-owned enterprises and government intervention in the economy to stimulate investment, employment, and consumption.
In the United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched a recovery program known as the New Deal in 1933. This program aimed to address agricultural and industrial surpluses, establish minimum wages, implement measures against unemployment, and provide unemployment insurance to mitigate the effects of poverty. These measures helped to improve the economic situation.
The Rise of Fascism
In the interwar period, European countries with a more liberal tradition maintained parliamentary and democratic political systems. However, many countries in central and southern Europe adopted authoritarian regimes. Totalitarianism reached its peak in Italy and Germany. These regimes sought to seize political power and control all aspects of people’s lives.
Causes of Totalitarianism
– The existence of poorly consolidated democratic parties.
– The severe economic crisis, which was blamed on liberal governments.
– Social polarization between revolutionary and anti-revolutionary groups.
– The formation of disgruntled ultranationalist groups, particularly in Germany and Italy, who were unhappy with the peace treaty and the reparations imposed on them.
Supporters of Totalitarianism
– The middle class, which was threatened with proletarianization by the crisis.
– Large capital, which was troubled by the rise of communism.
– Ex-combatants and unemployed malcontents.
– Social conservatives.
Features of Totalitarianism
– Political System Totalitarian regimes established authoritarian states, concentrating all power in the hands of an infallible leader who demanded blind obedience. There were no freedoms or political pluralism, only a single party, and opposition was violently repressed by the political police.
– State Control of Economy and Society The state controlled the economy and adopted an autarkic economic model. Society was controlled through propaganda, censorship, and education.
– Rejection of Social Equality Totalitarian regimes rejected social equality at all levels. Party members were considered superior to non-members, the military to civilians, men to women, and certain races to others. For example, Hitler believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and sought to eliminate those he considered inferior.
– Irrational Thinking Totalitarian regimes defended their positions with fanaticism and demanded blind obedience.
– Ultra-nationalism Totalitarian regimes exalted the greatness of their nation and made territorial claims to achieve unity or gain more living space.
– Militarism Totalitarian regimes viewed force and war as instruments of power, prestige, and national progress.
Italian Fascism
Italian fascism emerged around Benito Mussolini. The term”fascis” refers to the political organization founded by Mussolini in 1919, known as the Italian Fascist Combat Squads or Blackshirts.
In 1922, the intervention of these groups against unions and workers’ strikes led Mussolini to claim power. He organized the March on Rome, a demonstration of force that pressured the government to appoint him as Prime Minister. Once in power, Mussolini, known as”Il Duce” established a dictatorship and suppressed the opposition.
German Nazism
Nazism emerged in Germany around the Nazi Party, founded in 1920 and led by Adolf Hitler from 1921.
In 1933, after winning elections, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. Once in power, he abolished the republic and proclaimed the Third Reich. He established a harsh dictatorship and pursued a militaristic and aggressive foreign policy based on rejecting the Treaty of Versailles, which ultimately led to World War II.