LG 5: Describe the characteristics of totalitarianism

and fascism and explain how Mussolini and Hitler came to

power.

Background Reading (if time)

Class Discussion: Based off the reading, how did the

global depression lead to the rise of totalitarianism and fascism?

What are some characteristics of totalitarianism?

What are some characteristics of fascism?

Totalitarianism Form of government

based on an ideology of total control by the ruler or ruling party.

Goal is to control all aspects of public and private life

Characteristics of Totalitarianism Personal freedoms are limited

through the use of secret police, censorship, and propaganda.

Society’s resources and the means of production are controlled by the state

Fascism and communism are examples of totalitarian systems, however, historically the two are hostile to one another.

Fascism Historical Origins Fascism started in Italy in 1919 under

Benito Mussolini and survived until he was deposed during WWII.

The harsh peace imposed after WWI also contributed to the appeal of fascism in Germany.

Fascism: Definition

A type of totalitarian government based on a militaristic political ideology that promotes extreme loyalty to the state and is characterized by centralized dictatorial leadership and complete control of all aspects of life by the government.

Characteristics of Fascism Fascist leaders exploit social difference to

maintain power; minorities and dissenters are often persecuted if they speak out.

Fascism and Nazism are characterized by strong nationalist feelings

Fascism is usually ruled by a dictator

Rise of Totalitarianism

Emergence of Totalitarianism: Italy Economy was weak due

to WWI and global depression

Discontent arose due to unemployment and fear of communism

Benito Mussolini sought to unite Italians under fascism and became prime minister in 1922

Italy cont. Mussolini unified various

nationalist groups under the idea of creating a strong Italy

Once in power, Mussolini crushed all opposition and took control of all aspects of life within Italy with the help of his “Black Shirts”

Mussolini was convinced that Italy needed a colony in order to become a world empire- in 1935 he invaded and conquered Ethiopia

Mussolini in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDYtKsTjIWA

Benito Mussolini

Founder of Fascism and leader of Italy from 1922-1943

Allied with Nazi Germany and Japan in WWII

Emergence of Totalitarianism: Germany

The harsh peace imposed after World War I made fascism appealing in Germany

Adolf Hitler became its leading spokesman through the National Socialist (Nazi) Party.

By 1934 Hitler was effectively dictator of Germany

Germany Cont. Once Hitler rose to power, he began to remove opposition The Gestapo and SS (Schutzstaffeln) combined to police

Germany Hitler and the SS worked to create a German Reich in

central Europe with the goal of extending control of territory worldwide

Hitler united the people of Germany by the repression of minority groups that were “polluting” the German nation

Adolf Hitler Appointed himself fuehrer in 1934 in

Germany and began to remove opposition and threats

Hitler then invaded Soviet Union in 1941

Launched “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” in 1942

He committed suicide in a bunker in Berlin at end of WWII

As many as 50 million died as a result of Hitler’s actions

Hideki Tojo

Japanese prime minister during WWII Held extreme right-wing views and

supporter of Nazi Germany Ordered attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7,

1941 and officially brought US into WWII After fall of Saipan in July 1944, he resigned

from office and tried to commit suicide before being arrested by the US in 1945

Survived, nursed backed to health, tried as war criminal, executed in Dec. 1948

Becoming a Fascist Dictator Both Hitler and Mussolini rose to power

by promoting nationalism, territorial expansion, and racial unity

They became popular by delivering charismatic speeches that played on public fears and sympathies

To better understand how they rose to

power, we will be watching and analyzing some of their speeches.

Famous Speeches: As we watch the videos below write down

things you notice about how each dictator speaks and appeals to the crowd.

Need to write at least 3 things per speech to share with the class

Mussolini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxCLo84Jk-E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vf_gUvPVUU&list=PL1A

2B2EC925E66A1F&feature=sharecontrol&index=7 Hitler, compilation of speeches:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnpTWKKWQ1o&list=PLi-qNiOEYjK7B5jhVN45nyH3-dSwO3-91&feature=share